The Breakdown on Types of Acne

Acne is actually a condition that comes in quite a few varieties. The only reason to be interested in the different types is that each classification will come with a treatment that works just for it.  The most common kind of acne is called acne vulgaris. Although people looking at the word immediately think of the word vulgar that has nothing to do with the actual meaning. This group of acne is what drives teenagers crazy when they are just about to go on that big date or to the school dance they've been waiting for, for months, and discover their faces covered with a terrible outbreak of blemishes. This type of acne is found in people with oily skin the most. There are three particular types to this acne, non-inflammatory lesions that are the blackheads and whiteheads, inflammatory lesions that include red bumps of various sizes and anything that could be considered squeezable and secondary lesions that are the ones that have been picked, recently healed pimples or scars.

Comedonal acne is the kind of whiteheads or blackheads that do not become inflamed. They are usually on the chin or forehead. This acne can worsen with high humidity, hormones fluctuations or the use of certain products on the face.  Infantile acne is just what it sounds like, an acne that only affects babies. It usually goes away in the first few months after the baby is born. Acne in pregnancy is also a kind with its own symptoms. A woman will often get a fairly bad outbreak in the first trimester but as the pregnancy continues and the hormone changes abound, it clears up.  A pregnant woman should not use any kind of treatment until after her baby is born.

Acne conglobata is a form of acne vulgaris, but it is worse in its symptoms. This one is more common in males with the outbreak often being on the chest and back, with some on the face.  Acne fulminans is actually an even more severe form of acne conglobata.  Not only does it begin all of a sudden but it affects other things as well as the normal kind of pimple outbreak. With this a person will frequently have a fever, aching joints, weight loss due to a diminished appetite, and even a raised white blood count. This type of acne, more prevalent in males, will actually make a person feel ill.

There is also acne mediamentosa that is caused by a reaction to medications.  These are usually medications that are hormone based like anabolic steroids or occasionally oral contraceptives for women. Oddly these very same contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to help women suffering bad acne outbreaks.  

The last one is acne excori. It is more common in the fairer sex and is the aftermath of pimples, whiteheads or blackheads that have been picked. Even after these have healed the picking can still leave sores, scars and marks. The best treatment for this problem is to completely stop picking.

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