Types of Acne

Although acne affect millions of people worldwide, of all ages, acne is an often misunderstood skin condition.  There are different acne types that affect different people.  Understanding the different types of acne will help you determine the most effective treatment options.

Often acne is nothing more than a bit of trapped pus consisting of sebum, dead skin cells and white blood cells – usually referred to as a pimple. The severity of acne, however, can vary widely. An appropriate diagnosis and treatment approach depends on understanding which type of acne you have..

Acne is typically ranked by grade so that a proper course of treatment can be recommended. Acne grades range from Grade I to Grade IV. Grade I includes minor acne such as non-inflamed blackheads, whiteheads or milia. When there are more acne, including pustules or papules that have mild inflammations, the acne is considered Grade II.

Pustules are formed from a combination of bacteria, dead skin cells and white blood cells – they are pus-filled.  Papules, however,  are tiny lesions, a change or break in the skin, which is smaller than 5 mm - approximately the width of a pencil. Papules appear as a bump that rises above the skin’s surface.

The severity of acne rises with Grade III. There are more papules or pustules and they will be larger and red. The severest level is considered Grade IV.  Grade IV can consist of cysts and nodules. Grade IV acne is typically found on more parts of the body than just the face.

The ordinary form of mild acne is sometimes referred to as Acne vulgaris. All Grade I acne is considered to be this type. Standard over the counter medications are very effective in treating Grade I acne.

Acne congoblata is a name sometimes used for more severe acne forms. This type of acne usually consists of serious inflammation and deep abscesses.  This acne form often results in scars and  skin damage that may be severe.

Nodules that become inflamed will develop around blackheads, whiteheads and milia (sometimes referred to as comedones). The nodules will usually expand until they suddenly discharge pus. These nodules are painful and unsightly. Scars known as Keliods are usually left behind.

Acne fulminans is another type of acne. This type of acne is typicall painful and recurrent because the nodules will often ulcerate. People with this form of acne may even develop a fever or aching joints. Typical treatments include corticosteroids or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Unfortunately, these do not cure the underlying cause, they merely treat the outward symptoms.

Nodulocystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. Unusual red bumps produced by severe inflammation (known as cysts) are often formed. Larger inflamed areas can sometimes occur when the cysts are numerous and close together. Infection can spread when the cysts form small tunnels under the skin.  Nodulocystic acne treatment usually consists of antibiotics such as isotretinoin (Accutane).

When the follicles - the shaft in which hairs grow and sebum flows from the sebaceous glands - become infected the condition is referred to as Gram-negative folliculitis. The body sends white blood cells to fight the infection from the bacteria that grows inside. The result is a deep eruption that calls for special treatment. Normal antibiotics sometimes are ineffective because the type of bacteria that produces it may be resistant. Unfortunately, the condition sometimes results from treatment of other forms of acne that has been treated by antibiotics.

Proper care and treatment of these types of acne calls for a visit to a skin-care professional. A dermatologist's care is justified in these situations, as it may be in other types of severe acne.