Acne Types

There are different Types of Acne which is divided on the Non-Inflammed Acne and Inflammed Acne.

The Non-Inflammed Acne are the one considered as mild and those are "blackheads" and "white Heads".  They can be controlled with over-the counter medications such as benozyl peroxide and salyclic acid. While the Inflammed Acne are considered as Moderate to Severe Acne and those are the "pustules", "papules", "cystic" and "nodulistic".  Below, it's explained the different grades of acne and what does each type means.

The Non-Inflammed comedones are Grade I acne and this are Blackheads and Whiteheads.

According to About Acne.com, the Grade I is the mildest form of acne. There may be minor pimple, but they will be small and appear occasionally and in small numbers.  Grade I acne, is commonly seen in early adolescence, especially in the nose and or forehead.  Many adults, also experience grade I acne.  This type of acne can be treated at home by using over-the-counter products, containing benozyl peroxide and salyclic acid.

Whiteheads: Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, are follicles that are filled with the same material, but have only a microscopic opening to the skin surface. Since the air cannot reach the follicle, the material is not oxidized, and remains white.

Blackheads: Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are follicles that have a wider than normal opening. They are filled with plugs of sebum and sloughed-off cells and have undergone a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidation of melanin. This gives the material in the follicle the typical black color.

The Inflammed comedones are Grade II, III and IV acne, which are pustules, papules and cystic.

Grade II is considered moderate acne. There will be blackheads and milia, generally in greater numbers. You will start seeing more papules and the formation of pustules in this stage. They will appear with greater frequency, and general breakout activity will be more obvious. Slight inflammation of the skin is now apparent. 

The main difference between Grade II acne and Grade III, is the amount of inflammation present. The skin is now obviously reddened and inflamed. Papules and pustules have developed in greater numbers, and nodules will be present.

Grade III usually involves other body areas, such as the neck, chest, shoulders, and/or upper back, as well as the face. The chance of scarring becomes higher as the infection spreads and becomes deeper. During this stage is recommended to have the help of a Dermatologist.

While Grade IV is the most serious form of acne, Grade IV is often referred to as nodulocystic or cystic acne. The skin will display numerous papules, pustules, and nodules, in addition to cysts. There is a pronounced amount of inflammation and breakouts are severe. Cystic acne is very painful.

Acne of this severity usually extends beyond the face, and may affect the entire back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. The infection is deep and widespread. Nearly all cystic acne sufferers develop scarring.

Grade IV acne must be treated by a dermatologist. It tends to be hard to control, and almost always requires powerful systemic medications in addition to topical treatments.

Pustules: Pustules are considered to be a moderate form of acne that presents itself as middle-sized bumps on the face. These bumps have a noticeably white or yellow dot in the center and are surrounded by inflammation. You should not pop pustules yourself in the hope of obtaining a quick-fix cure. You may be able to reduce the size of the bump by popping it, but the effects, possible infection and scars, are not worth the temporary relief.

Papules: Papules are a form of acne vulgaris that appear as small bumps on the face. The bumps reveal no visible pores as in blackheads, and they are not white like whiteheads. Instead, they are closed, red and surrounded by skin inflammation. 

Cystic: Deep, inflamed breakouts develop on the face and/or other areas of the body. The blemishes themselves can become large; some may measure up to several centimeters across. Cysts are the most serious kind of acne blemish. They feel like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin's surface. Cysts can be painful.

Nodulistic: Nodulocystic acne sufferers develop nodules as well as cysts. Nodules are hard, painful lumps under the skin's surface. Much larger than papules, nodules form deep within the skin and take a long time to heal. Some skin care experts believe acne cysts are not really cysts at all, but rather severely inflamed nodular breakouts.

Hope this information help you understand the different types of acne.

Source:

Onlyacne.com

Acneabout.com

Getacneclearskin.blogspot

wisegeek.com

exposedskin.com

homeblackheadremedies.com