Acne Types and Treatments



Posted: Thursday, January 22, 2009

by
Dan Rodney

Acne occurs when the normal process of skin's cell renewal is interrupted.  Inside the sebaceous hair follicles (pores), the oil that keeps skin naturally flexible and dewy combines with the old, dead skin cells and are exuviated in skin's normal renewal process.  If dead skin cell turnover rate is uneven, they can become sticky making a blockage within the follicle.  Bacteria called propionobacterium acnes that normally live on the skin can thrive within these blocked pores.  The bacteria, along with the trapped oil, swell the follicle as the skin's oil production process persists within the choked pore.  Your body attacks this infection with large amounts of white blood cells, which ultimately makes a pimple.   The entire pimple-making process takes around 14-21 days.  Sometimes in acute acne, the swelling inside the pore can erupt, forming permanent scarring damage the skin enough to cause permanent scarring.

This type of acne includes several kinds of pimples known as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.  When pores become only partly blocked and a portion of the natural oil is able to slowly drain to the surface, blackheads are formed.  When pores are totally clogged and bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin with no where to go, whiteheads develop. Swollen, tender, red bumps that have no head are known as papules.  Do not attempt to pop papules, as popping papules will only increase increases the risks of scarring and possible infection.  A swollen, red circle that has a white or yellow head is  a pustule.  It is very similar in appearance to the whitehead, but the inflammation is the difference.   In severe acne, nodules or cysts grow below the skin's outer layer.  Nodules are much larger, painful, solid bumps below the skin that may take months to get rid of.Painful, solid, much larger bumps that can take months to rid of are known as nodules.  Cysts look similar to nodules, but are very painful and pus-filled.  Cysts have a diameter greater than 5mm.  Nodules and cysts possess the highest chance of scarring.  Unfortunately quite often with cysts and nodules, scarring does take place.  These types of pimples require a dermatologist's assistance.  To alleviate the possibility of scarring or infection, do not attempt to address your severe acne without first consulting a doctor.

Another type of acne is acne rosacea.  Acne rosacea appears similar to acne vulagaris, but affects mostly those over 30 years of age and more often women than men.  It appears as a red rash containing pimples, skin blemishes, and bumps with blood vessels often becoming more prominent.  While acne vulgaris can affect any area on the human body, acne rosacea is normally confined to just the cheeks, chin, nose, or forehead.

It is necessary to keep acne prone areas clean.  The affected area needs to be washed twice dailywith an unscented cleanser.   Look for cleansers containing salicylic acid or creams containing benzoyl peroxide.  Salicylic acid will dry the acne-affected areas, while benzoyl peroxide is designed to increase skin's turnover rate, helping to clean the pores.  Antibacterial face washes and body soaps designed specifically for oily skin control are also available for the treatment of acne.  Keep in mind, however, that the skin requires a small amount of oil to maintain its natural condition, so avoid aggravating acne by overwashing with strong, drying washes.

There is no known cure for acne, with or without a prescription.  The real secret to controlling acne is prevention, which requires arresting the formation of acne before it turns into a visiblepimple.  Many over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available.  Plus, consuming a healthy diet full of essential vitamins and minerals and drinking plenty of H2O can  strengthen your immune system and flush toxins to keep your body's natural defense system performing properly to defeat acne infections easier.  To avoid the risk of permanent scarring, it is necessary to treat acne as soon as the first signs appear. Even after blemishes disappear, you often have to continue must keep with an active acne treatment to keep other blemishes from forming.

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