Pimples on the skin in extreme conditions develop puss and become inflammatory. The root cause of all types of acne on the face depends on several factors. Figuring out the causes helps one find the most effective treatment to solve the problem.
Overview
Acne is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Everyone has a different reason for the types of acne as a multifactorial disease. The different triggers of acne vary from person to person. There are internal and external factors that trigger acne.
All types of pimples start as comedo or pore blockage. The pimple starts as a small bump without any inflammation. Then it turns into a comedo that becomes inflamed due to bacterial infection. The appearance of acne depends on its various types. Let’s have a look.
6 Types of Acne
1: Whiteheads (Closed Comedones)
Whitehead acne forms when the sebum clogs the pore. The top of the pore closes due to the blockage. It appears as a bump on the skin. Whiteheads are one of the most common acne types. A layer of skin covers the clogged pore, forming pus.
However, whitehead acne is non-inflammatory. There is usually no redness or swelling. On lighter skin, they appear as a white halo-like circle. On darker skin, the surrounding area of the white head pimple might look darker.
The white head pimple does not cause any scarring. It makes the skin around itself look wrinkled if it grows in size.
2: Blackheads (Open Comedones)
Blackheads are one of the types of acne due to a combination of sebum and dead skin cells. The dead skin oxidises to give the characteristic black colour. The open comedones appear as raised bumps. The skin around the blackheads appears normal, but the centre of it is dark.
3: Papules
Papules are the types of pimples that are inflamed blemishes. They appear as red blemishes on the skin. The size of the papules varies and they appear on various body parts like the neck, chest, and shoulders.
Hair follicles rupturing can lead to the formation of papules. When it happens cellular debris and bacteria go into the dermis. It causes inflammation and reaction. Pressing and squeezing a blackhead can also result in papules.
4:Pustules (Pimples)
The blackhead pimple with a head is known as a pustule. The head is white or creamy yellow. Sometimes there is a brown spot right in the middle. It is the plug of the pore. The size of this acne ranges from small to large sizes.
They recur in the same spot—the pustule form is due to the pus. Upon pus formation, the dead skin cells and excess oil react to give it a white cap. Squeezing a blackhead pimple can lead to pustule formation.
5:Nodules
On the severe side of the acne spectrum are nodules. They are inflamed and have large lesions. They are painful. The subcutaneous occur due to the rupturing of the follicle wall. It leads to cross-contamination and irritation and is also painful. Nodules may have us in them.
Type 6:Cysts
The cysts are the types of acne scars that are soft, fluid-filled lesions. The cysts damage the healthy tissue wall. It leaves scars. Acne cysts are severely swollen acne nodules that have pus in them. Sometimes they also have blood. Blackhead acne can take several months to heal.
Types of Acne Causes
1:Excess Oil (Sebum)
Extra sebum production leads to the formation of types of acne on the face. Excessive production from the sebaceous glands causes acne to appear. The bacteria feed on the oil on the skin, and the dirt oxidises in the pores, leading to acne.
2:Hair Follicles Clogged by Oil and Dead Skin Cells
When hair follicles and oils block the cells on the skin, it leads to inflammation. Inevitably it will lead to blackhead acne formation. Also known as zits, this is highly common during puberty.
3:Bacteria
The presence of the anaerobic bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes plays a role in the appearance of acne. The bacteria causes acne occurrence on the skin. Upon healing, it does leave types of acne scars on it.
4:Inflammation
Bacterial invasion, excess sebum production, and an unhealthy lifestyle expose the skin to inflame. Clogged follicles and pores lead to the formation of acne.
5: Too Little Sleep
An indirect correlation between lack of sleep and dehydration triggers the skin to break out. Acne can appear if the body is not well-rested and adequately hydrated.
Cause 6: Excess Consumption of Certain Foods
Diet can affect the hormones and make existing acne worse. Food with high sugar content and oil in it exacerbates the acne problem.
Food that Causes Acne
1: Milk
As surprising as it may sound, milk increases the chances of acne. Though no cause exists, many experts believe it tampers the insulin level.
2: Pancakes and Doughnut
These foods increase oil production leading to clogged pores and acne.
Food 3: Chocolate
Eating chocolate does not cause acne, but it is advisable not to have it if one is already dealing with acne.
Food 4: White Rice
White rice has a high glycaemic content (high sugar and carbs), triggering acne formation.
Treatment for Types of Acne
1: Azelaic and Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid, one of the types of acne treatment, removes the epidermis, healing the skin and scarring. Azelaic acid reduces swelling by killing the bacteria.
2: Chemical Peel
This treatment removes the top layer of the skin, allowing the acne scars to grow and the skin to heal.
3: Drainage and Extraction
Surgical extraction and drainage are only required in case of large cysts under the supervision of medical professionals.
Treatment 4: Steroid Injection
It is the preferred treatment for people with severe acne with large nodules. It attacks the root of acne and eliminates it.
Treatment 5: Benzoyl Peroxide
This leave-on gel targets the surface bacteria that cause acne.
How to Prevent Acne?
If acne appears on the lower third of your skin, it is a PCOS warning sign. Contact a dermatologist to receive personalised skin analysis for your best acne treatment.
Conclusion
The types of acne treatment on the GetOva site will identify the causes and provide the best treatment. Consult a proficient dermatologist, and let’s better be safe than sorry.
FAQs Related to Types of Acne
● How do I know my acne type?
A dermatologist can identify the acne on your skin. You can do so, too, by checking the head of the acne. It is different in the case of a blackhead, and whitehead bumps. It will help you get the best acne treatment.
● How many types of face acne are there?
There are four types: blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and papules.
● Can cream remove acne?
Only acne scar treatment creams prescribed by licensed dermatologists can remove acne.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.