Acne Types

There are several different types of acne, some more common than others. Perhaps the most common (and the one for which most of the research is done) of all is Acne vulgaris. This type of acne is common in adolescents, especially boys. It is what most teenagers with acne have and it is caused by hormones, usually due to puberty. There are several different intensities of acne vulgaris, it is like a spectrum from very little to a lot. Mild to moderate acne vulgaris usually consists acne spots with blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pastules. Everyone with a mild case will not have all of these types of acne spots. Usually they will only have one or two of these types. Those with more severe cases of acne vulgaris will have the aforementioned symptoms along with nodules and cysts, which not only look a lot worse but may also be very painful.

Rosacea is another common type of acne which is more frequent in middle aged adults. It is often confused with acne vulgaris, but has a few distinct differences such as the lack of blackheads and the visibility of blood vessels (not in all cases). Small red bumps are often visible and pus-filled pimples may also form.

Acne rosacea along with acne vulgaris, are fairly common and aren’t particularly severe compared to some of the other types of acne. The more severe forms of acne are rarer, but they have they have devastating and often irreversible effects. They often lead to disfiguration and excessive pains to those who get them.

Acne Conglobata is still technically classified as acne vulgaris, but its affects are much worse than that of the traditional type. Symptoms often include large lesions along with widespread blackheads. It can cause scarring and damaging effects to the skin, some which can never be cured. It is found almost everywhere on the body including the face, chest, back, arms, and thighs.

Acne Fulminans normally affects young men where as acne conglobata usually affects middle aged people. Scarring and disfiguaration are also common to this type of acne. A major difference between the two is that acne fulminans also induces a fever as well as aching of the joints.

A third severe type of acne is Gram Negative Folliculitis. This type of acne is caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms include pustules and cysts. Not much is known about this type of acne due to its rarity.

Pyoderma Faciale is also a very harsh form of acne that usually only affects women. Most of the acne is only on the face, but it often includes large (and very painful) nodules, sores, and pastules. Scarring is also common in this type of acne. Pyoderma faciale usually only lasts a brief period of time, but it can cover one’s face quickly and the effects can be horrible. Pyoderma like many of the other severe types of acne has everlasting effects and they can truly hurt a person’s esteem. It is a good thing that these severe forms are pretty rare.