Different Ways of Dealing With Acne

Types of Acne

Acne is a general term used to describe the result of plugged pores on the face, back, or chest. Generally characterized by red bumps and whiteheads, acne also includes blackheads and lumps that form beneath the skin.

The following conditions are generally referred to as acne, but each condition has particular traits.

Comedo - The condition when a sebaceous follicle becomes clogged with a combination of sebum (released from the sebaceous gland under the skin), dead skin cells, tiny hairs, dirt, oil, and bacteria. When the comedo is open and exposed to oxygen from the air, it becomes dark in appearance, forming what is commonly known as a blackhead. A closed comedo forms a small bump beneath the skin, and takes on a skin tone or slightly white appearance, commonly known as a whitehead.

Papule - A small, solid bump that elevates slightly above the skin surface. Typically the coloring of a papule matches that of the skin. Several papules grouped together are rough to the tough, having an almost sandpaper type feel to them.

Pustule - A small, fluid filled bump that elevates above the skin surface and is topped by puss. This bump is filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells.

Nodule - Similar to a papule, nodules are solid bumps that elevate slightly above the skin. The main difference is that a nodule also develops deep into skin layers and is one of the leading causes of scaring from acne. This type of acne can be very painful and is more difficult to treat than other forms.

Cyst - Similar to a pustule, a cyst is a fluid filled bump that elevates above the skin and is topped by puss. A cyst is also filled with a mixture of white blood cells, bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells and becomes severely inflamed. A cyst will form deeper into the skin layers and can be quite painful and is the other leading cause of scaring from acne. Like nodule acne, a cyst can be difficult to treat.

Macule - The red or pinkish spot left after an acne lesion has healed. Depending on the severity of the initial lesion, the discoloration may last for a few days to a few weeks before subsiding.

The problem is, most people lump all these various types of acne into one group, and just call it acne. This wouldn't be an issue, except that they each react differently to various forms of treatment, and what works for one will not necessarily work for all.

This is further complicated because some people experience more than one form of acne at a time. It is very common to have both a pustule outbreak, and a cystic outbreak simultainously.

Because of these facts about acne, treatment is not always simple and straightforward. Benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil are usually a safe bet when first trying to treat acne. Some people will never need anything more than this. However, for those of you who have tried 1, several, or many treatments without success, it may be helpful to determine the types of acne you suffer from, and treat each type as suggested by a dermatologist.

Again, there is no 100% acne fix. However, knowing the type of acne you suffer from can help you find a treatment that will work best for you.

BIO:

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Eating junk food doesn't cause acne Post-Tribune My grandmother says that I'm getting acne. I'm really worried about this. Grandma says that I'm eating too much junk food and that if I stop “eating that junkâ€� my complexion will start to clear. Is this true? Please tell me what I should do to get rid ... and more »

What Triggers Teenage Acne? Dermatologist Explains MyFox Detroit (WJBK) -- Bad acne is physically and emotionally scarring. It's tough at any age, but for teens it can be traumatic. Dermatologist Steve Grekin sees a lot of acne, kids like 17-year-old Talvin Stephenson, whose skin and self esteem are both at-risk.

Zion Health Announces Simple Home Remedy; Natural Clay Skin Care Products Now ... San Francisco Chronicle (press release) Zion Health's Detox Clay Home Remedies to help heal skin conditions including adult acne, rashes and skin break outs- Now available at Olivers Market in Cotati, CA. Zion Health announces a unique line of Healing Clay skin care products now available ... and more »

Avoiding Acne Patch.com Of course, I love this, but it wasn't always so "beautiful," in fact, I had a very severe case of cystic acne for several years. Almost everyone I know has had some form of acne in their lives. I had great skin all my teen years, and developed acne as ...

Don't blame whitening agents in toothpaste for those breakouts The Republic Despite suspicions from some zit-stricken folks seeking answers on online advice forums, dermatologists say there's no reason to blame toothpaste for acne breakouts. What toothpaste can cause, however, is irritation or allergic reactions in people with ...

Don't blame whitening agents in toothpaste for those breakouts Chicago Tribune Despite suspicions from some zit-stricken folks seeking answers on online advice forums, dermatologists say there's no reason to blame toothpaste for acne breakouts. What toothpaste can cause, however, is irritation or allergic reactions in people with ... and more »

Use Of Cosmetics When You Have Acne Oye! Times You have acne and like every other girl you still want to use cosmetics for looking different, for that you need to follow some cosmetics tips for acne. Make a personalcosmetic guide which includes the cosmetics and products that suit you and that suit ...

BBC News

New acne treatment up for award BBC News A Scottish company has launched a new treatment based on light-therapy to treat acne. Ambicare has developed a device which can be used at home. The patient places pads, which emit a blue light, directly onto the affected parts of their skin.

Murad® Healthy Skin Facials Now Available at Massage Envy Spas in the Houston Area Houston Chronicle Treatments include the Environmental Shield® Vitamin C Facial, Clarifying Enzyme Acne Facial, Anti-aging Facial and the Sensitive Skin Facial. Massage Envy Spas also offer an at-home skincare kit to continue treatment in between facial sessions! and more »

Acne Inversa Patients Face Sexual Distress Skin and Allergy News Digital Network Sexual dysfunction and distress are increased in patients with acne inversa leading to a diminished quality of life, according to the findings of a recent prospective, observational study. The findings, which are among the first to evaluate sexual ...