Types of Adult Acne

Acne is often thought of as a problem teenagers have to deal with. And while it certainly is true that a greater number of teens suffer from acne, adults often must cope with breakouts as well. They can range from mild to very severe. Understanding the types of adult acne is vital for anyone looking to seek out treatment that is appropriate for their specific condition and skin type.

Blackheads

Blackheads are one of the most common types of acne in both teens and adults. They occur when a pore becomes blocked with sebum, a combination of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. This results in a black spot within the pore. This is not dirt. Rather, it's melanin, or skin pigment, reacting to oxygen. Blackheads often don't turn into whiteheads and can last for a long time if not treated.

Whiteheads

Another type of pimple is called a whitehead. When a pore becomes blocked all the way, it causes the bacteria, oil and dead skin cells to form a white pocket on the skin's surface. These are the pimples people tend to try to pop. The good thing about whiteheads is that they're fairly easy to treat and tend to go away quickly so long as you don't pick at them and they're treated properly.

Pustules

Pustules are a slightly more serious form of acne. They are very much like whiteheads in that the center of the blemish is white and filled with pus. However, pustules are irritated and inflamed, resulting in a red circle around the whitehead. These can also be treated fairly simply with over-the-counter preparations, though if your skin is sensitive or you suffer from numerous pimples, you may require medical attention.

Papules

Papules are a type of pimple that has no head. Instead, it's just a red bump that's tender and sore to touch. These are blemishes that should never be picked at, as you may force the bacteria deeper into the skin, resulting in more damage and possible scarring.

Cysts

Acne cysts are very serious and should be treated by a dermatologist. They are basically a pus-filled nodule. They can be very large, painful and will likely lead to scarring. You should not attempt to treat cysts on your own. A dermatologist will likely inject a corticosteroid into the cyst to reduce inflammation and the chances of scarring.

Nodules

Nodules are a type of acne that's like a cyst, except there's no pus inside. Rather, these blemishes are large, hard and red. They can last for a great length of time, as bacteria is trapped. Nodules can lead to scarring if not treated promptly. The material inside can also harden, leading to skin damage and trauma.

Acne Conglobata

The most severe type of acne is called acne conglobata. It involves the development of many blemishes, most of which are very large and tend to overlap and interconnect. These lesions usually lead to scarring and can be very painful. This form of acne is often accompanied by numerous blackheads. Treatment from a dermatologist is necessary in order to minimize the amount of permanent damage to the skin.

References

• Types of acne - mild to cystic
• Adult Acne - Types & Differences