What are the types of Acne

Different types of acne (and their symptoms) include the following:

1. Whiteheads

Whiteheads are a type of acne where bumps develop underneath the skin’s surface. (3)

These blemishes are round and small. They’re also covered by a thin layer of skin, resulting in a white or yellowish appearance. Different factors contribute to whiteheads, such as oily skin, hormones, puberty, and the use of cosmetics and moisturizers on your face. (1)

2. Blackheads

Blackheads look similar to whiteheads. But instead of a white bump, blackhead pimples are black or dark.

Blackheads aren’t covered by skin like a whitehead. Instead, they rise to the skin’s surface.. Exposure to air causes trapped oil inside the pore to turn black, resulting in the bump’s darker appearance.

Possible causes of a blackhead include oily skin, an irritated hair follicle, and hormones, as well as skin-care products. Some medications can trigger blackheads. (1)

3. Inflammatory Papules

A papule forms when a pore or hair follicle becomes clogged with bacteria. Your immune system reacts to the bacteria by producing white blood cells, which fight infections. This inflammatory response causes clusters of red, inflamed pimples. Oil and dead skin cells also contribute to inflammatory papules.

4. Inflammatory Pustules

This type of acne is similar to papules. But with a pustule, your body’s inflammatory response causes pimples to fill with pus composed of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. These clusters of bumps are red, slightly larger, and sensitive to the touch.

5. Nodules

Nodular acne is a severe form of acne characterized by large, hard bumps underneath the skin’s surface. This type of acne also involves bacteria, and develops when the walls of a pore break down. As a result, bacteria and oil extend deeper into the skin, affecting other pores. Nodules are painful and can cause permanent scarring.

6. Cyst

Cystic acne also develops deep underneath the skin, and it’s the worst form of acne, says Harth. It occurs when a severe inflammatory reaction in your pores triggers boil-like, fluid-filled nodules, and is commonly seen in menstruating women. Varying levels of estrogen act at the level of the follicle to cause cysts deep underneath the skin.