Acne is a skin condition where your skin pores become clogged with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. These blocking substances form spots, pimples, or cysts. Acne cannot cause serious risk to your overall health, but it can be painful in severe cases. It is a common skin condition and can also cause scarring. Acne can lower your self-esteem, but you can visit your specialist, Dr. Peter Chien, for treatment. Treatment depends on how severe or persistent your acne is. Acne presents itself in different forms, which include:
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Comedones
A comedo, also called a basic acne lesion, is a hair follicle clogged with oil or dead skin cells and may develop into bumps known as whiteheads or blackheads. Products called comedogenic can trigger comedones. Makeup labeled non-comedogenic has lower chances of causing acne.
Blackheads
Blackheads are comedones on the skin surface, and they are open. They fill up with excess oil and dead skin cells. Black hue resulting from irregular light reflection from clogged hair follicles makes comedones turn black. Blackheads are treatable with over-the-counter drugs.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are comedones that stay close to the skin surface. This type of acne happens when oil and dead skin cells clog and prevent the hair follicle opening. Most of the over-the-counter medications that treat blackheads are also effective against whiteheads.
Papules
Papules are inflamed comedones and form tiny red or pink bumps on your skin. You will have a sensation when the pimple is touched. Squeezing the pimple can increase inflammation and can lead to scarring. Many blemishes can indicate moderate to severe acne.
Pustules
Pustules are another form of an inflamed pimple. They look like a whitehead with a red ring on the bump, filled with white or yellow pus. Avoid picking or squeezing the pimples as it causes scars or dark spots to form on the skin.
Nodules
Nodules are large and inflamed bumps. They feel firm when you touch them. They are painful and form deep in your skin. Nodules can scar, so they are treated by a dermatologist. Over-the-counter drugs may not work, but prescription medications can clear them.
Cysts
Cysts look like boils, large lesions filled with pus. They need to be treated by a dermatologist like nodules because they can scar. If you develop nodules or cysts, there are high chances of getting more severe acne.
Acne conglobata
Acne conglobata is a severe form of acne, and it involves many nodules connected to other nodules under the skin. Neck, chest, arms, and buttocks are the most affected body parts. Mostly it will leave scars. Acne conglobata is common in men and may be caused by taking steroids or testosterone. It needs timely treatment from a dermatologist.
Acne mechanica
Heat, friction, and pressure against your skin cause acne mechanica. These effects may result from wearing sports gear like a helmet or baseball cap. It mainly occurs in athletes. Preventive techniques involve wearing an absorbent material under sports garments and taking a shower after sports activities.
Acne can be treated by home remedies or medical options, especially in severe cases. Schedule an appointment at Lumos Dermatology for acne treatment to boost your self-esteem.
