Patient's Complete Guide to Acne Scars

The appearance of acne is termed as ‘breakout’. The most usual area to be affected by acne is the face but sometimes other areas of the body might get affected as well.
Types of acne don’t look the same. It is essential to identify the type of acne to get the right treatment started.
Acne is categorized into two types:

1. Non-inflammatory acne
2. Inflammatory acne
3. Individuals can suffer from more than one type of acne at once.

• Non-inflammatory Acne

Non-inflammatory acne looks like tiny bumps on the skin. It does not swell nor causes any time of inflammation. It is present in clusters, especially around the nasal area.
It is further subdivided into blackheads and whiteheads. Over-the-counter medicine can be used to treat this type of acne.

• Blackheads

Blackheads are also known as open comedones. They are a mixture of dead skin cells and sebum.
The pores are clogged with this mixture, the top of the pores remaining open, and appears to be dark or black. They raise tiny bumps. Hence, the name blackheads.

• Whiteheads

Whiteheads are also known as closed comedones. Like blackheads, whiteheads can also form by the clogged pores of sebum and dead skin cells.
The top of the pores, in this case, close up, showing the exterior of a small bump. Whiteheads are hard to identify and treat because they are already closed.

• Inflammatory Acne

Red and swollen acne showcase inflammatory acne. This type of acne can be caused by sebum and dead skin cells and sometimes by some bacteria.
Bacterial acne causes painful acne that is harder to get rid of because the infection is deep beneath the skin surface. This also means that the acne comes back.
Inflammatory acne is further sub-categorized into:

• Papules

Inflammation breaks down the walls surrounding the pores, resulting in papules. They are not filled with pus and are tender to touch. The skin around the pores is usually pink. The pores are hard and clogged.

• Pustules

Pustules are pus-filled bumps. These are also formed by the breakdown of the wall surrounding the pore. The skin surrounding the pore is read with a yellow or white head on top.

• Nodules

Clogged, swollen pores when irritated or trifled with, grow larger. This is when nodules are formed. Nodules are much deeper in the skin. The deep interior causes them to be treated professionally, rather than at home.

• Cysts

Cysts are filled with dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria. They form a sac underneath the skin and over time, grow in size. They are often painful to the touch.
Cysts form due to deep infection and are named as the largest form of acne. It can leave a scar.

Severity of Acne

Acne can range from mild to severe depending upon the severity of the condition.

• Blackheads and whiteheads are the mildest forms of acne. They are easily cleared up by toners or spot treatments.
• Papules and pustules are moderate forms of acne. They require an oral or topical prescription.
• Nodules and cysts are the severest forms of acne. They cannot be treated at home.