Types of Acne: An Overview
Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, a common condition that affects the skin's oil glands. The term "acne" simply refers to several pimples occurring together. Although it is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring.
There are many kinds of acne. The most common types are:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Papules
- Pustules
- Nodules
- Cysts.
The two most common types of acne are whiteheads and blackheads.
Whiteheads and Blackheads
The basic acne lesion, called the comedo (KOM-e-do), is simply an enlarged and plugged hair follicle. If the plugged follicle, or comedo, stays beneath the skin, it's called a closed comedo and produces a white bump called a whitehead. A comedo that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called a blackhead because it looks black on the skin's surface. This black discoloration is not due to dirt. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.
Other troublesome types of acne can develop, including:
- Papules, which are inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
- Pustules (pimples), which are papules topped by pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base
- Nodules, which are large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin
- Cysts, which are deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.
