Different Ways of Dealing With Acne
Types of Acne
Acne is a general term used to describe the result of plugged pores on the face, back, or chest. Generally characterized by red bumps and whiteheads, acne also includes blackheads and lumps that form beneath the skin.
The following conditions are generally referred to as acne, but each condition has particular traits.
Comedo - The condition when a sebaceous follicle becomes clogged with a combination of sebum (released from the sebaceous gland under the skin), dead skin cells, tiny hairs, dirt, oil, and bacteria. When the comedo is open and exposed to oxygen from the air, it becomes dark in appearance, forming what is commonly known as a blackhead. A closed comedo forms a small bump beneath the skin, and takes on a skin tone or slightly white appearance, commonly known as a whitehead.
Papule - A small, solid bump that elevates slightly above the skin surface. Typically the coloring of a papule matches that of the skin. Several papules grouped together are rough to the tough, having an almost sandpaper type feel to them.
Pustule - A small, fluid filled bump that elevates above the skin surface and is topped by puss. This bump is filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells.
Nodule - Similar to a papule, nodules are solid bumps that elevate slightly above the skin. The main difference is that a nodule also develops deep into skin layers and is one of the leading causes of scaring from acne. This type of acne can be very painful and is more difficult to treat than other forms.
Cyst - Similar to a pustule, a cyst is a fluid filled bump that elevates above the skin and is topped by puss. A cyst is also filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells and becomes severely inflamed. A cyst will form deeper into the skin layers and can be quite painful and is the other leading cause of scaring from acne. Like nodule acne, a cyst can be difficult to treat.
Macule - The red or pinkish spot left after an acne lesion has healed. Depending on the severity of the initial lesion, the discoloration may last for a few days to a few weeks before subsiding.
The problem is, most people lump all these various types of acne into one group, and just call it acne. This wouldn't be an issue, except that they each react differently to various forms of treatment, and what works for one will not necessarily work for all.
This is further complicated because some people experience more than one form of acne at a time. It is very common to have both a pustule outbreak, and a cystic outbreak simultainously.
Because of these facts about acne, treatment is not always simple and straightforward. Benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil are usually a safe bet when first trying to treat acne. Some people will never need anything more than this. However, for those of you who have tried 1, several, or many treatments without success, it may be helpful to determine the types of acne you suffer from, and treat each type as suggested by a dermatologist.
Again, there is no 100% acne fix. However, knowing the type of acne you suffer from can help you find a treatment that will work best for you.
BIO:
Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Acne Advocacy Sheet EmpowHer (blog) Regardless if you are in your teenage years or well beyond them, an acne problem can be very frustrating. Acne is caused by irritation of the hair follicles ... What types of acne drugs are available in online pharmacies? Teen acne remedies |
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Stiefel, a GSK Company, Brings Acne Innovation Directly to Consumers with ... PR-USA.net (press release) Stiefel, a GSK company, announced today that its new over-the-counter acne regimen is now widely available to US consumers. The MaxClarity(TM) System uses ... |
Stiefel, a GSK Company, Brings Acne Innovation Directly to Consumers with ... PR Newswire (press release) The MaxClarity™ System uses VersaFoam® technology, which allows two proven acne fighting ingredients, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, to penetrate the ... Stiefel launches over-the-counter acne treatment MaxClarity System now available in the United States |
Ask us: How can I gain confidence? Kansas City Star That may be OK, but a friend who criticizes a person's physical attributes (like being too thin or having acne) most likely is not a friend at all, ... |
Choosing an OTC Product About.com: Health Most of us head straight for the skin care aisle when acne rears its head. And fortunately, there are some fairly effective OTC treatment options on the ... |
FDA Rejects Narcotic Painkiller Program (REMS), Says Too Weak to Stop Abuse DrugWatch.com iPLEDGE was implemented after patients reported serious side effects linked to the popular acne drug and prompting many to file Accutane lawsuits. ... |
Medicated Skin Care - Israel - Market Report - New Market Report Published OfficialWire (press release) by Press Office In 2009 the main focus within medicated skin care tended to be on four common problems that young Israeli consumers suffer: cold sores, acne ... |
Obagi Medical Products to Report Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results and ... MarketWatch (press release) ... hyperpigmentation (irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin), acne, sun damage, rosacea, and soft tissue deficits, such as fine lines and wrinkles. ... ZO Skin Health Wins Important Court Victory: Judge Denies Obagi Medical ... Obagi Medical Products to Report Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results and ... |
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