WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACNE ? AND MORE ABOUT ACNE

What is acne?

Acne Care Guide

Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is one of the most common skin problems. It usually seen on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, or upper back of many teenagers and young adults. Acne occurs when the pores on the surface of the skin become plugged. A pore is the opening of a hair follicle (root) and an oil gland. Normally, oil glands help keep the skin smooth and remove old skin cells. When oil glands make too much sebum (grease), pores may become blocked. This allows dirt to collect, which encourages the growth of bacteria (germs) in the glands. When these bacteria release toxic substances, it can produce irritation and inflammation (swelling) of the skin. This leads to the formation of painful bumps or lumps, which are commonly called pimples.

What causes acne?

The exact cause of acne is not known. The following are possible causes of acne:

• Genetics: Acne is more likely to occur if other family members also had acne problems.
• Hormones: Hormones are special chemicals in the body. Hormonal changes may occur during puberty, monthly periods, pregnancy, or use of birth control pills. An increase in androgens (male sex hormones) may also cause the oil glands to enlarge and make more sebum.
• Infections: Germs, such as bacteria, may cause acne.
• Medicines: Certain medicines, such as steroids, hormones, and anticonvulsants (phenytoin) may cause acne.
• Skin cosmetics: Harsh skin make-up and cleansers may change the cells of the follicles and block the pores.
• Stress: Emotional and physical stress, such as tiredness and feeling upset, angry, or sad, may cause an acne flare-up.

What are the different types of acne?

The different types of acne are as follows:

• Comedones: Comedones, or plugs, are blocked pores having blackheads or whiteheads on their surface. Blackheads turn dark, or black, because pores are open to the air, while whiteheads are cream-colored and are in closed pores. Comedones are often found on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and sometimes in the ears.
• Papulopustular: These are small, pink, painful pimples, called papules, which are near the surface of the skin.
• Nodular: Nodules are large, hard, and painful pimples that are deep below the skin and are pus-filled.