Understanding the Types of Acne, to Identify Your Best Treatment OptionsIn order to treat acne properly and effectively, you have to know what types of acne there are. You might think that acne is all the same and go ahead and get something to treat it. WARNING! All acne is NOT created equal. Unfortunately, the causes of the various acne types are still not completely understood, which tends to take away from effective treatment measures in the long run. Mild to Moderate Acne Acne can range from mild to severely disfiguring. In the mild to moderate category is acne vulgaris, the most common form that manifests in several pimple forms - blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. The last two manifestations, nodules and cysts, are the severe form of acne vulgaris.Nodules are under the skin surface and usually show up as large, hard bumps. Under no circumstances should you squeeze nodules. If you do, it will cause skin damage and last longer. See a dermatologist. Cysts look like nodules but are painful and pus-filled. Scarring is common and it's best you do not squeeze cysts for the same reasons you don't squeeze nodules. Types of acne also include acne rosacea that mimics acne vulgaris. Don't make the mistake of thinking acne vulgaris and acne rosacea can be treated the same way. Rosacea treatment is different and if treated improperly can cause swelling of the nose and excess tissue growth. Severe TypesThere are severe types of acne, and thankfully they are rare, but nonetheless cause suffering and can be disfiguring. Acne conglobata is the most severe form of acne vulgaris. It is most common in males and shows up as plentiful large lesions on the face, upper arms, thighs, chest, and even the back and buttocks. Treatment is usually aggressive use of Accutane over a long period of time.Acne fulminans is the sudden onset of acne vulgaris, but has a different twist. It shows up with fever and aching joints. Antibiotic resistant, it usually responds to Accutane and oral steroids. Types of acne also include gram-negative folliculitis, a bacterial infection presenting with pustules and cysts. Again Accutane is the treatment of choice. Pyoderma faciale, another severe acne is usually most common in women and shows up on the face very abruptly as exceedingly painful large nodules, pustules and sores. Pyoderma faciale is usually self -limiting to a year's duration. In all cases of acne, from mild to severe, your best bet is to see a dermatologist. They have ways to reduce the scarring and inflammation that you might not know about. Options for Effective Acne TreatmentWhen you have a good understanding of your acne type, it will be easier to find an effective treatment. The Pimple Eraser and Pimple Eraser Plus (a glycolic based skin treatment system) is a popular acne treatment. It is known to show results in as little as three days.Click here, for more information about the Pimple Eraser skin care system, for treating acne.
Return to top of this Types of Acne page Go to Treating Acne home page |
