OUT! Damned Spot: Types Of Acne

What is the first thing you think of when someone mentions acne? Ugly, red, pus-filled spots that make you look horrible and leave nasty scars when they are done disfiguring your face? Well, that’s only one type of acne. Like most bad things, acne comes in a group. So here’s looking at the acne gang.

Acne Vulgaris:

Acne vulgaris is the inflammatory type of acne, caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce an excess of the oily substance called sebum, which clogs pores by blocking hair follicles. This type of acne gives you pimples, pustules, nodules, spots, or zits and is most common among young people at the onset of puberty. Most typically, acne vulgaris is the result of the body’s abnormal reaction to the male hormone testosterone, even among females. However, the intensity of this reaction usually fades over time, and acne tends to disappear, or at least diminish, once a person reaches his or her mid-20s.

However, no one can tell with any certainty how long it will take for the acne to vanish, or in the more severe forms of acne vulgaris, whether it will vanish at all. In fact, some individuals may suffer from acne even into the 40s. And even when it does fade, acne vulgaris can leave permanent scars that constantly remind you of your trauma.

Acne Rosacea:

Acne Rosacea often looks similar to acne vulgaris, and many people confuse one type of acne for the other. A significant distinguishing factor, however, is that acne rosacea usually affects people over 30. Initially, it occurs as a red rash on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin – the face, in short. Bumps, pimples, and other lesions often accompany the redness, along with a greater prominence of blood vessels in the affected areas. Usually, this condition does not involve the growth of blackheads.

Curiously enough, acne rosacea seems to be more prevalent among women, but is often more severe among men. Unless you treat it, acne rosacea may cause a swelling of the nose and the growth of excess tissue, which is called rhinophyma. So it is important that you see a dermatologist immediately after you notice the initial symptoms.

Acne Conglobata:

Acne conglobata is the most severe form of acne vulgaris and affects males more than females. You will not know what ravaged means until you see the effects of acne conglobata on a person’s face. The commonest manifestations of this type of acne are large lesions and widespread blackheads. These cause terrible, irreparable damage to the skin, and leave permanent scars, most often on the face, chest, upper arms, back, and buttocks. Though this condition can set in any time between the ages of 18 and 30, it can be active for several years. The most difficult aspect of this type of acne is that it can sometimes prove resistant to treatment. However, it can usually be kept under control through long-term and aggressive treatment.

Acne Fulminans:

This is a truly nasty piece of work. Acne fulminans is a virulent and aggressive form of acne conglobata, once again more common among young men. The most typical symptoms are severe nodulocystic, often ulcerating lesions, which cause mutilating scars. More worryingly, acne fulminans may also induce fever and aching joints and will normally not respond to antibiotics. The usual course of treatment involves a combination of isotretinoin and oral steroids.

Pyoderma Faciale:

This is a type of severe facial acne that affects only women, usually aged between 20 and 40, and is distinguished by large and painful nodules, pustules and sores. It sets in without warning, and may even afflict a woman who has never had acne. Unfortunately, it affects only the face, and though it does not last for very long, it causes long-term and severe scarring.

Considering the nasty acne types just covered, perhaps a simple case of acne vulgaris doesn’t seem so bad, eh?