Acne is a common skin condition that can occur at different times in our lives. While it does not pose a serious health risk, it can leave behind scars – not just physical, but psychological as well. Acne can cause significant distress, taking a toll on one’s self-confidence.
Types of Acne
- Blackheads, or open comedones: A form of mild subsurface acne that occurs when impurities and dead skin cells get trapped inside pores. When these clogged pores open, the contaminants are exposed to the air causing them to oxidize and generate a dark brown or black colour.
- Whiteheads, or closed comedones: Created when the contaminated clogged pore is covered by a superficial layer of the skin preventing oxidation to occur. It is identifiable by its small yellow/white centre surrounded by some inflammation.
- Papules: Occurs when the clogging of a pore causes a hair follicle to become contaminated and inflamed. Papules are a form of moderate acne that appear as hard pink or red bumps that are prone to clustering.
- Pustules: A more severe form of acne that is filled with pus and surrounded by marked redness from inflammation. They are larger than whiteheads and blackheads and can evolve into more severe cystic acne.
- Nodules and cysts: Two of the most severe and painful forms of acne that penetrate deep into the skin and are most prone to scarring. Cysts occur when the clogged pore ruptures under the skin, causing impurities to contaminate surrounding tissue. The body reacts with an inflammatory response to prevent spreading, resulting in the formation of pus. Acne nodules can stay intact within the skin for a long period of time and results in hardening of the affected area.
