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Know About Acne: Acne is the term for plugged pores (black heads and white heads), pimples, and
even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back,
shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent.
However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s -
even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition,
acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious
and permanent scaring. Even less severe cases can lead to scaring.
Types of Acne: Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne which includes several types of
pimples. These acne lesions include black heads, white heads, papules, pustules,
nodules and cysts. Mild to Moderate acne vulgaris consists of the following
types of acne spots:
Whiteheads: Whiteheads result when a pore is completely
blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white
appearance on the surface. These types of acne lesions sometimes seem to be
begging to be popped. Make sure you read about how to pop a pimple before you
attempt this. White heads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads.
You can view a diagram of a whitehead on the what is acne page. The Clear Skin
Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat a whitehead.
Blackheads: Blackheads result when a pore is only partially
blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin
cells to slowly drain to the surface. The black color is not caused by dirt.
Rather, it is a reaction of the skin's own pigment, melanin, reacting with the
oxygen in the air. A blackhead tends to be a stable structure, and can often
take a long time to clear. You can view a diagram of a blackhead on the what is
acne page. The Clear Skin Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to
treat blackheads.
Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head.
Do not squeeze a papule. It will do no good, and may exacerbate scaring. The
Clear Skin Regimen provides a step-by-step program on how to treat
papules.
Pustules: A pustule is similar to a whitehead, but is inflamed,
and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Pustules are your
garden variety "zit". Before you pop or squeeze such a lesion, be sure to read
about how to pop a pimple. The Clear Skin Regimen provides a step-by-step
program on how to treat pustules.
Nodules: As opposed to the lesions mentioned above, nodular
acne consists of acne spots which are much larger, can be quite painful and can
sometimes last for months. Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin's
surface. Scaring is common. Absolutely do not attempt to squeeze such a
lesion. You may cause severe trauma to the skin and the lesion may last for
months longer than it normally would. Dermatologists often have ways of
lessening swelling and preventing scaring.
Cysts: An acne cyst can appear similar to a nodule, but is
pus-filled, and has been described as having a diameter of 5mm or more across.
They can be painful. Again, scarring is common with cystic acne. Squeezing an
acne cyst may cause a deeper infection and more painful inflammation which will
last much longer than if you had left it alone. Dermatologists often have ways
of lessening swelling and preventing scaring.
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