The Different Kinds of Acne and What You Can Do to Deal with Them

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, around 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from some form of acne at any given time.

Acne results in different types of blemishes, each with distinct symptoms and appearances. These include whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, nodules, and pimples and fall under the category of either inflammatory or non-inflammatory acne.

Treatments for acne differ and depend on the type of lesions. Receiving early treatment reduces the risk of skin complications such as scarring and dark spots. In this blog, we’ll go over the different kinds of acne and their treatments.

Non-Inflammatory Acne

Whitehead and blackheads are classified as non-inflammatory acne.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads or closed comedones form whenever a pore gets blocked by dead skin cells and sebum resulting in small, protruding bumps. These can be difficult to treat since the pores are closed from the top. Topical retinoids such as adapalene give the best results. If these don’t work for you, it’s best to visit a certified dermatologist.

Blackheads

Similar to whiteheads, blackheads are also caused when a pore gets blocked by sebum and dead skin cells. However, the top of the pore remains open while the rest of it gets clogged.

Inflammatory Acne

Pimples that become swollen and red are classified and inflammatory acne. These are as follows.

Pustules

Form when the walls around a pore break down. These bumps contain pus, are red, and have white or yellow tops.

Papules

Also form when severe inflammation causes the walls surrounding a pore to break down resulting in hard pores.

Nodules

Nodules develop when swollen, clogged pores endure irritation causing them to penetrate deeper into the skin. These can’t be treated at home and requires a visit to the dermatologist who will then prescribe the appropriate medication.

Cysts

Cysts develop when pores are clogged by sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. These go deeper into the skin than nodules and appear as large white or red bumps. Cysts are likely to scar and represent a severe form of skin infection. Like nodules, they too require medical attention.

Treatment for Acne

Medication for acne usually requires months, so it’s important to be patient and not use multiple acne products which only worsens the problem. It’s also common for bumps or swelling to be mistaken for acne when they may be something entirely different.

The only way to get the proper diagnosis and treatment is by visiting a qualified dermatologist. Southern Dermatology is led by Dr. W. Derrick Moody who has more than 2 decade’s worth of experience under his belt. Here, you can avail some of the best acne treatment in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Contact us today at 770-817-2592 for more information.