Ailments and Situations - Acne - Acne Types

Acne Types

A blackhead is a non-inflamed, partially blocked, pore. The surface of the pore is widened and contains solid material inside, including sebum (which has combined with skin pigments), keratin, and microorganisms. Its exact composition is not known.

A whitehead is a non-inflamed, completely plugged, pore with a core much smaller than that of a blackhead. It is composed of sebum, keratin, and microorganisms. Ruptured whiteheads tend to lead to pimples.

Bacteria activity in whiteheads and blackheads irritates the skin and leads to skin eruptions. The resulting inflammations can be quite vivid and are generally referred to as "pimples". Papules are small, solid pimple-like swellings of the skin. Pustules look similar to smallpox lesions. They are small, with elevated pools of pus under the skin and leave a depressed scar after they heal

Superficial acne consists of inflamed papules, pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, and superficial cysts. No abscesses are present. Large cysts may occur as the result of manipulation or trauma to the previously mentioned lesions. Healing tends to occur without scars. However, excess manipulation of blackheads and superficial cysts or scratching of ruptured lesions may lead to scarring.

Deep acne consists of the above mentioned lesions, in addition to deep, inflamed nodules and pus-filled cysts that rupture and become abscesses. Some abscesses break on the skin surface and expel their contents. The infection can also spread and produce large, raised, red-coloured inflammations. Lesions occur on the neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest, in addition to the face. Frequently, scarring occurs.