There are many different types of acne and each type requires a specific treatment. While there are similar treatments for many of the different types, some have more specialized treatments that can be used to get rid of that type of acne. This blog discusses the different types of acne and some of the treatments available for them.
Mild Acne
Mild acne is usually seen in the form of blackheads and whiteheads. Blackheads are open comedones and whiteheads are closed comedones. They appear when your pores become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Mild acne can usually be treated with over-the-counter products such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. You may also want to see a dermatologist if these don’t work well for you, as they can prescribe stronger or more specialized medications or ointments to treat this kind of acne.
Moderate Acne
Moderate acne is characterized by inflammatory lesions called papules and pustules (also known as pimples). These lesions tend to be larger than those seen in mild acne because they are infected, which causes inflammation and swelling around the lesions. Moderate acne can be treated using prescription topical medications, oral antibiotics, and other medicine such as Accutane (which should only
Acne is a skin disease that affects almost all teenagers and some adults. It causes red or white pimples, oily skin, blackheads and whiteheads, and in some cases, scarring.
Acne is not caused by dirt. If you have acne, it does not mean that you are dirty or unhygienic. Acne is caused by the overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Certain types of bacteria then feed off this excess oil, which can cause spots to form.
Acne may also be caused or aggravated by other factors such as lifestyle habits (such as smoking), diet, stress levels and hormone levels. There are different types of acne which can be broadly classified into two main categories: comedonal acne and inflammatory acne.
Comedonal acne refers to non-inflamed spots such as blackheads and whiteheads and mild to moderate inflamed spots known as papules and pustules (or “pimples”).
Inflammatory acne refers to more severe inflamed spots such as nodules and cysts. These are usually painful spots which result in scarring if left untreated.
Acne is a very common skin condition, affecting 80% of teenagers. Topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide and/or a topical antibiotic are the usual treatments for mild to moderate acne. Topical retinoids are effective but not generally used as first line therapy.
For severe acne (nodular or cystic acne), oral antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment. Oral isotretinoin is a prescription medication that shrinks the oil glands and reduces the amount of oil they produce. If you have severe acne or your acne doesn’t improve after several months of using topical treatments, your doctor may prescribe oral isotretinoin pills or capsules. You should use birth control if you take this medication because it can cause severe birth defects.
Isotretinoin is usually taken for 4 to 5 months at a time, and you may need to repeat the treatment course if acne returns after you finish taking the drug.
You may have some side effects when taking isotretinoin: dry mouth and lips, nosebleeds, joint pain, muscle aches, skin sores and sensitivity to light. You should avoid sun exposure while taking isotretinoin because it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than it already is during treatment.
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases known to affect men, women and teenagers. There are different types of acne that can affect adults and teens alike.
The most common type of acne is called Acne vulgaris. This is the medical term for acne that affects mostly teenagers but can also affect adults.
This is due to hormonal changes in the body, during puberty, pregnancy or when a woman reaches menopause. Acne vulgaris usually begins at puberty and can last for up to 10 years in some people.
Acne vulgaris appears as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and deep lumps on the face and sometimes on the neck, back and shoulders.
Blackheads occur when there is a blockage in a hair follicle or pore which causes the oil under the surface of your skin to turn dark. Blackheads are not caused by dirt or an infection.
Whiteheads are formed when there is a plug in a hair follicle which prevents air from reaching it and turning it dark like blackheads do. Whiteheads are small bumps that do not protrude above the skin like pimples and cysts do.
Pimples occur when oil becomes trapped in pores under the surface of your skin leading to inflammation which produces
Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or “zits.” Whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts) may develop. Acne most often occurs on the face, neck, chest, and back.
Acne occurs when dead skin cells, and excess oil from the skin plug hair follicles. Bacteria can enter plugged follicles and cause inflammation. The result is whiteheads or blackheads, or in some cases pimples.
Acne cannot be prevented; however it can be controlled. Treatment depends on your age and severity of the acne. For mild acne cases you can use over-the-counter products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help control your acne. If you have moderate or severe acne you should see a dermatologist for treatment options.
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the skin and nails.*
Acne is one of the most common skin problems in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of people at some point in their lives.
Conventional acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics can be helpful, but they may take several weeks to produce results.
There are also many natural alternatives that may help prevent and treat acne.
Here are 13 remedies you can try at home, all backed by science.
1. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to be a very effective treatment for all kinds of ailments. It is especially useful for treating skin conditions.
To use it to treat acne, dilute it to 5-20% with water (a stronger concentration will burn) and apply it directly to the affected area. Do not apply undiluted vinegar to your skin — this can cause burns and irritation.
You can apply apple cider vinegar to your entire face or just the affected areas several times daily until your acne clears up.
Acne vulgaris (or simply acne) is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, greasy skin, and possibly scarring. The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem and in extreme cases, depression or thoughts of suicide.
Acne affects mostly skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in noninflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots, zits, or bumps.
