Let's Talk about Acne
Acne is a condition that affects over 650 million people globally - not only teens.
Adult acne is a major skin concern especially among women. Acne breakouts may occur in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cystic lesions and/or nodules - each of which is defined by specific characteristics
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Types of Acne
Acne is a general term for breakouts that occur within the skin, but each type of acne requires a different treatment and each breakout and accompanying lesions vary in terms of their characteristics.
Please consult with a dermatologist when experiencing these types of Acne
Non-inflammatory Acne Lesions
Non-inflammatory lesions are the least severe forms of acne, lacking severe pain, swelling, and underlying or visible redness. These include white heads, blackheads, microcomedones, and milia.
1. Whiteheads
Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are small spots or bumps that are a flesh coloured or white tone. While avoiding touching your whiteheads can make them disappear on their own over time, scratching and picking them can result in future scarring. Overall,it is unlikely that these closed comedones will create future skin issues- as unpleasant as they are at the time.
2. Blackheads or Open Comedones
Blackheads, or open comedones, are small and as the name suggests - black or dark-coloured blemishes that are visibly raised on the skin’s surface.
3. Microcomedones
Microcomedones aretoo small to be observed by the naked eye. They are also the initial phase of every acne lesion. Microcomedones are caused by the sebaceous duct and pore opening becoming blocked by excess sebum and dead skin cells.
4. Milia
Milia are considered chronic whiteheads and aren’t technically classified as acne lesions - but they’re still worth mentioning. They’re small, almost resembling a grain of sand, or have a milky appearance (with visible whiteheads). Milia are typically 1-2 millimetres in diameter and cannot be popped.
Inflammatory Acne Lesions
Inflammatory acne lesions are consideredmore severe than non-inflammatorylesions, as they are far more likely to result in future scarring or pitting.
1. Papules
Papules are characterised by their solid texture, pink hue and raised appearance on the skin’s surface and are associated with slight swelling. Papules can be brown, purple, pink or red and may vary in size, from pinhead-sized papules to papules that are 1cm in diameter. They’re also known as pimples or zits.
2. Pustules
Pustules are alarger form of acne with defined circular centresthat are filled with white, yellow or cream coloured pus or fluid, surrounded by inflamed skin. In some cases, a small brownish dot can be seen in the middle of the pus-filled centre of a pustule and is the source of the debris clogging the pore.
3. Nodules
Papules are characterised by theirsolid texture, pink hue and raised appearance on the skin’s surfaceand are associated with slight swelling. Papules can be brown, purple, pink or red and may vary in size, from pinhead-sized papules to papules that are 1cm in diameter. They’re also known as pimples or zits.
4. Cysts
Cysts, or cystic acne, is a severe form of acne that affects a smaller percentage of people as compared to common acne (acne vulgaris). Cystic acne may occur as a result ofhormonal changesin the body during adolescence, but is just as likely toaffect adults during specific phases of life. Individuals withoily skinmay also be more prone to this severe form of acne breakout.