Acne Part 2: Types of Acne

Many of us will have an occasional blemish here or there. Problem skin can come and go, but the more serious and chronic breakouts develop into acne. Acne can occur on the face and body, and in many different forms. Before you can treat your acne, it’s important to understand what type of acne is affecting your skin.

	Mild/Occasional Acne: Small pimples, random in frequency, that usually occur on forehead and nose. May include small amounts of blackheads or whiteheads (comedonal acne).
	Moderate Acne: Many blackheads and whiteheads, inflamed small red bumps (papules), formation of pus-filled bumps with a white head (pustules). Can spread from forehead and nose to other areas of face and body. If not treated, can progress to severe acne.
	Severe Acne: More blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules. Increased redness and irritation. Inflamed acne sores create a hard, painful bump under skin (nodules). Also affects other areas of the body including neck, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Scarring is more likely as infection spreads and deepens. If not treated, it can progress to cystic acne.
	Cystic Acne: Redness, inflammation and breakouts are most severe. Large, red painful fluid-filled lumps under skin’s surface (cysts) begin to appear. Can spread to other areas of the body including the entire back, chest, shoulders and upper arms. Infection in this form is deep and widespread, and most often results in scarring.
	Hormonal Acne: Usually occurs on the chin, lower areas of cheeks, jawline, and body. If not treated correctly, will continue to reoccur or worsen. Occurs due to hormonal influences, including medication.
	Blackheads vs. Whiteheads: Each is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells, oil and bacteria clogging up pores. If the pore has an opening and allows air inside, this clogged pore turns black. However, if the pore does not contain an opening, and creates a buildup under the skin's surface, a whitehead will appear.