Acne is the most common inflammatory skin disorder that causes spots and pimples, especially on face. At least 86% of the people experience acne problem in their young age between 15-26. Blackheads, Pimples, Whiteheads, Nodules and Cysts are all the different type of acne. Acne is not a dangerous problem, but it can leave scars on the skin. What Medical Science Says About Acne? Acne affects our skin’s oil glands who produce oil and hair follicles, these oil glands are stimulated by adrenal gland’s hormones in both females and males during puberty. This produced oil (under our skin oil glands) carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. In some conditions these oily substance (called sebum) and skin cells clump together and causes swelling, when this starts to breakdown a pimple grows. Outside bacteria and pollution help it to spread it on other non-affected areas. Some Facts About Acne Acne is most common skin disorder, but doctors don’t know what is...
When we have pimples, on the face or on the body, for no apparent reason and quite recurrent, we know that acne has knocked on our door. Whether we are young, adult, male or female, we have all experienced these famous periods of “skin budding” that we would like to forget, yet we are not equal before acne pimples. Indeed, acne is as diverse as the victims on whom it casts its hand. Some will have only a few small nodules, while others will endure the entire acne panoply. In fact, there are several types of acne, ranging from minor to severe.
In this article we examine the three different ways of grouping acne and explains the names, possible triggers, and symptoms of each types of acne. It may help you determine what type of acne you have, but if it does not clear up your doubts and your skin continues to cause discomfort and problems, you should consult your doctor who will tell you properly.
Acne At Different Stages of Life
Our hormones behave differently at different stages of our lives. This means that acne, the main internal cause of which is hormonal, varies with age. More reliable information about the relationship between acne and hormones here. Acne is more likely to occur when hormones fluctuate and is generally classified into four different age-related types.
1. BABY ACNE
It is also called neonatal acne, newborn acne. It occurs in about 20 per cent of newborns. Boys are four times more likely than girls.
Where does it occur?
The most frequent presentation is on the cheeks. Less common on the forehead and chin.
Symptom
Usually, like closed comedones (pimples). Occasionally as open comedones (black dots), papules and pustules.
Can it leave a scar?
Unlikely.
2. CHILDHOOD ACNE
It is also called small child acne, juvenile acne. It occur between 3 and 9 months of age. Boys are affected more often than girls.
Where does it occur?
On the face, particularly on the cheeks.
Symptom
The most common is a few comedones, contiguous, or isolated papules or pustules.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, in rare cases.
It is also called teenage acne, puberty acne, normal acne, simple acne, etc... It occurs during adolescence (most likely between 15 and 18 years of age). Between 70% and 95% of adolescents are affected to some extent by acne.
Where does it occur?
On the face and upper body.
Symptom
Common acne can be more or less severe, from mild (known as comedogenic acne) to moderate and sometimes more severe (papulopustular acne) or severe acne (conglobata acne).
Can it leave a scar?
Between 2% and 7% of those who have suffered severe acne suffer scars.
4. LATE ACNE
It is also called adult acne. It occurs in adulthood (approximately 25 years and older). Between 20 and 40 per cent of the population continues to suffer from acne after the age of 24 or begins after that age. It is the most common skin disease in industrialized nations. It is more common among women than among men, as it is triggered by stress and hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Where does it occur?
On the face (mainly on the chin and lower jaw), on the neck and upper body.
Symptom
Late acne can occur in a more or less severe way, from mild acne (called comedogenic acne) to moderate and more severe acne (papulopustular acne) and even severe acne (conglobata acne).
Can it leave a scar?
Yes.
Different Types of Acne in Terms of Severity of Symptoms:
According to the severity and symptoms there are following type of acne.
1. COMEDOGENIC ACNE
It is also called Mild acne. The most common is that it occurs during adolescence, but can also occur later. It occur, mainly on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks) and, much less often, on the back.
Symptom
Various imperfections that may consist of blackheads, pimples and maybe some papules.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, but it's unlikely and the scars it leaves are usually minimal. The risk of pigmentation problems is also low.
2. PAPULOPUSTOLOUS ACNE
It is also called moderate acne, papulopustular acne. This is the most common types of acne occurs during adolescence, but can also occur later.
Where does it occur?
Mainly on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks) and, much less often, on the back.
Symptom
A form of acne, from moderate to severe. The most common is a mixture of papules and pustules. The skin may appear red and inflamed.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, there are chances that the skin will be scarred and also with hyperpigmentation marks.
3. ACNE CONGLOBATA
It is also calledsSevere acne, or AC. It is a rare form of acne, and most likely occurs during puberty, although it can also occur in adulthood.
Where does it occur?
Mainly on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks), neck and back.
Symptom
Large number of visibly inflamed imperfections, such as papules and pustules. These imperfections can cluster together and form nodules and cysts that can be painful.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, there is a great risk of scarring and pigmentation marks.
4. FULMINANT ACNE
It is also called malignant acne, febrile acne, ulcerative acne. It is a very rare form of acne and mainly affects men between the ages of 13 and 22. It can be triggered by isotretinoin, the most effective medical treatment for acne with severe symptoms, and is related to "doping acne", which is acne caused by steroid abuse by some bodybuilders and weight-lifters.
Where does it occur?
Mainly on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks) and on the back.
Symptom
Features similar to conglobata acne. Those affected may also experience fever and inflammation of the joints.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, there is a great risk of scarring and pigmentation marks.
Different Types of Acne Grouped by External Causes
The main cause of acne, hormones, is an internal cause, but there are many external factors that can cause and aggravate acne. Sometimes acne is named after these external factors and is grouped according to them. The most common varieties are explained below:
1. SUMMER ACNE
It is also called summer acne. The most common cases occur in women between the ages of 25 and 40, many of whom have a history of acne in adolescence. It appears after exposure to UV radiation, and is likely to be caused by free radicals (created by exposure to the sun), reacting to emulsifiers that are included in cosmetics and sunscreen products.
Where does it occur?
The most frequently affected areas are the inner face of the arms, the chest and, less frequently, the face.
Symptom
It can include itchy rash and bulging areas, redness of the skin, blisters or pustules, and are almost always accompanied by severe irritation. In the most severe cases, bleeding lesions may occur.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, but pigmentation problems are usually more likely in the case of summer acne.
2. COSMETIC ACNE
It is also called cosmetic acne, makeup acne, etc... It occurs when the skin reacts to comedogenic substances present in some cosmetics. These substances block the sebaceous glands and trigger acne. Symptoms usually subside when you stop using the product.
Where does it occur?
At any point of the body, but the most common is on the face, neck, the growth edge of the scalp and this very scalp.
Symptom
Mild but persistent. Many small bumps on the skin that cause it to feel rough but usually no swelling or very little.
Can it leave a scar?
Unlikely.
3. EXCORIATED ACNE
It is also called acne of the obsessed with the grains, manipulation of the grains, disorder of manipulation of the grains, neurotic excoriation, psychogenic excoriation, dermatilomania. It occurs more frequently in women than in men, with a continuous and compulsive scratching, with crushing and manipulation of pimples, pimples and imperfections, sometimes even normal skin, which can be triggered by stress or other psychological problems (some people suffer from impulse control disorders and do not actually realize that they are scratching their skin).
Where does it occur?
Usually on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks) as it is easily accessible.
Symptom
It can aggravate the symptoms of mild acne and spread bacteria, leading to Greater inflammation.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, excoriated acne often leads to scarring, and this risk can be further increased when the affected person uses sharp objects to help manipulate imperfections.
4. REVERSE ACNE
It is also called apocrine acne, suppurative hydradenitis, sweat gland abscess, pioderma fisculans means, reverse acne. It occurs mainly after adolescence. The cause is not well known, but it is believed to correspond to a wrong immune response.
Where does it occur?
It mainly affects areas of the body with a high number of apocrine (sweat) glands: dermal folds of armpits, groin and anus.
Symptom
A chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease. It starts with swollen, painful nodules that can spread.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, there is a great risk of scarring and pigmentation marks.
5. MECHANICAL ACNE
It is also called sports acne, friction acne, sandpaper acne. All active people, regardless of age, can suffer from mechanical acne. It is caused by an object that holds sweat against the skin and rubs it, causing increased sebum production. Most often it is triggered by wearing very tight clothes, also helmets, chin strap, shoulder straps, bras and swimwear.
Where does it occur?
In areas of the body that are in contact with these elements.
Symptom
Blackheads, pimples and pimples.
Can it leave a scar?
Unlikely. Mechanical acne is relatively easy to treat and / or prevent and its symptoms are usually well corrected.
6. MEDICATED ACNE
It is also called medicinal acne, anabolic acne, doping acne. It can be triggered by the administration of medicines containing barbiturates, lithium or corticosteroids, by overdose of vitamins B6, B12 or D2, by steroid abuse and sometimes also by the use of the contraceptive pill. This types of acne usually improves when the medication is stopped.
Where does it occur?
Mainly on the face, chest, shoulders and back.
Symptom
Painful nodules and pustules.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, there is a great risk of scarring and pigmentation marks.
7. ACNE VENERATA
It is also called contact acne. Venerata acne occurs when the skin is in contact with chemicals that can cause stress. These include tar, Petroleum, bleach, fluoride-containing toothpastes and aggressive cleaning agents.
Where does it occur?
These imperfections tend to appear in the area that has been in direct contact with the substance.
Symptom
Usually black dots.
Can it leave a scar?
Yes, but only in severe cases.
Influence of Psychological Factor in the Intensity of Acne
Depending on the type of acne, the impact on everyday life is not going to be the same either. The vicious side of acne is there: it reaches areas of our body that often define us and are difficult to mask (such as the face). It is easy to understand that it is not easy for a 30-year-old adult to cope with his acne attacks by going to the office every morning. The same applies to a young mother. We will not mention the case of adolescents, who are in a part of their lives where they are psychologically unstable because they are building a personality, and that acne can be a great factor of shyness, loss of confidence and self-confidence.
Thus, depending on how acne is accepted and experienced, the severity will vary. Physically minor acne can become severe if the person who is the victim experiences it very badly.
In any case, an acne diagnosed as severe must be accompanied medically, especially by a dermatologist, who will be best able to choose a treatment suitable for each type of skin, lesion, and of course patient. Be that as it may, keep your spirits up and remember that each acne has a treatment and a way to adapt to it to make it disappear. Good hygiene of life, including strict dietary and sanitary habits, helps to minimize the proliferation of pimples.
This article was written with purpose to build an acne vulgaris knowledge base and to provide a brief intro about types of acne that is continuously enriched. Even today, our multidisciplinary team works full–time to improve the expertise of our content and the quality of our beauty products.