How Many Different Types of Acne Are There?

While most people will only suffer from mild forms of acne when they are growing up, there are actually many different types of acne that can leave severe scarring if they are not taken care of.  To better understand your condition, you may want to figure out which of the types of acne that yours falls under.

Acne Vulgaris is the most common of all acne and has two tiers, mild and severe.  The mild type will be the typical pimples that we have all experienced at one time or another.  They are usually whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, and papules.  Whiteheads and blackheads typically happen when the pores are blocked. 

Papules and Pustules are an entirely different scenario.  Papules will be very red and tender, but will actually have no head on them.  If you have these, do not try and squeeze or pop them or you may end up with scarring.  Pustules are very similar to whiteheads, but it is red and inflamed.  They are more commonly referred to as zits.  These can be popped, but make sure you do it the proper way or you will be danger of infection.

Nodules are typical of a more severe case of the above acne.  If you suffer from nodules, you will have a rather large bump under your skin and it will more than likely be quite painful.  People that suffer from these can see scarring.  This is something that should never be popped and you will want to see your doctor immediately for proper treatment.

Acne Rosacea is more typical in older people and not the teen generation.  It will more than likely be in the nose and cheeks region of the face and is typically described as a red rash.  If you do not see your doctor immediately, swelling and possible scarring may result.

The most severe of cases of acne are rare, but those that suffer from them will often be left with horrible scarring.  These forms are often characterized by massive breakouts and extreme redness.  These are not your run of the mill pimples, but affect large areas of the skin and are often much larger in nature. 

It is always a good idea to visit your doctor when you suffer from acne.  It is always better to be safe than sorry and allow them to look at it and give you an idea of what the best medications are that can treat it.  If you mistakenly diagnose it yourself, you may end up with scarring that will last a lifetime or cost significant money to get treatments to rid you of the scarring.