Acne Classifications
Posted on 02. Jan, 2009 by admin in Acne Types
Different Classifications of Acne
There are many different forms in which a pimple can affect a person‘s skin, and every person‘s skin is different as well. Pimples all begin their cycle the same way, as a skin lesion called a comedo. The comedo is a hair follicle that is swollen and stopped up with bacteria and oil. To the eye, comedos cannot be seen. They lie just below the surface of the skin awaiting specific external conditions, which will allow the comedo to become an inflamed and infected lesion. At this point, the comedo becomes red and visible. This occurs because the body’s white blood cells begin to fight the infection, causing the surrounding skin to become irritated. The affected skin produces more oil, which allows the contained bacteria to multiply rapidly inside of the follicle. This begins the cycle that will determine the type of acne that will eventually be created.
- Acne that is Non-Inflammatory
The Whitehead, or Closed Comedo – A “whitehead” or closed comedo occurs when the infected follicle that is stopped up remains under the skin’s surface. This type of acne can appear to be small white bumps on the the skin.
The Blackhead, or Open Comedo – If the follicle is swollen enough to raise above the surface of the skin and turns a darker color, then it is usually called a “blackhead.” Contrary to popular belief, a “blackhead” or open comedo is not dark in appearance due to trapped dirt in the follicle. Instead, the darker color is from melanin that has built up, which is the pigment within the skin.
- Types of Inflammatory Acne
Papule – The papule is known as the mildest type of acne. Papules appear on the surface of your skin as small pink bumps that are firm. Papules are often very tender when they are touched, and they are considered to be between the non-inflammatory stage and a clearly inflammatory lesion.
Pustule – Pustules, much like papules, are also small round lesions but are also visibly inflamed and may contain pus. They are often reddish in color around the base and have a white or yellow looking center. The inflamed area does not carry an abundance of bacteria. Instead, the redness and irritation is normally caused by a chemical reaction from components of sebum.
Cyst or Nodule - What may be the most severe common form of acne lesion, nodules or cysts are large pus-filled lesions and usually are inflamed and very painful. They can occur when a comedo ruptures below the skin layer and seeps into surrounding skin. This brings about a response from the immune system that fights the infection and in turn produces pus. Nodules can harden into deep cyst and may persist anywhere from a week or so, to several months and can cause deep scars.
Acne Conglobata – Although rare, this more severe form of inflammatory acne usually develops mainly on the buttocks, back, or chest. There may be nodules and pustules present, and can also contain a bacterial infection that is severe.
