Acne is a common disease of hair follicle and inflamed sebaceous which can occur among people of any age. Commonly it occurs on face or back and teens are the ones that are more easily caught by acne.
A comedo is a basic lesion or clogged hair follicle (pore) of acne that arises due to various factors:
1. Hormonal imbalance (primarily androgen)
2. Overproduction of oil by the sebaceous (oil) gland
3. Irregular or excessive shedding of dead skin cells, both on the surface of skin and inside the pore
4. Buildup of bacteria in the pore
5. Irritation
6. Sensitizing reactions to cosmetics, specific foods, or medicines
Types of acne:
1. Blackheads (open comedo ): A type of comedonal acne that occurs on nose and areas close to it. In this type of acne the blocked pore remains open to the air which causes oxidation and it starts looking black from the top. So, its known as the black head.
2. Whiteheads (closed comedo): Here the pore that has been blocked by oil, bacteria etc closes up and it starts looking white from the top. So, known as white heads or closed comedo. Here the oil gets trapped inside the skin layers and fails to reach the upper layers.
3. Nodules: Nodules are large and firm swellings which exist deep below the skin and does not contain pus. Nodules occur due to accumulation of keratinous remnants and sebum produced from the oil glands within the hair follicile. These leave dark or red marks on skin as they go away.
4. Postules: Postules are tiny pimples or follicile's space filled with pus and having an inflamed base. The color of the lesions can range from yellow to orange/green.
5. Papules: Inflammatory solid bumps that are usually smaller than 0.5 cm in diameter and varies from pink to red color and does not contain pus.
6. Cysts: The worst form of acne observed till date. These are the sac-like formations filled with liquid or semi-solid pus and usually more than 5 mm in diameter. Cysts often results in pain. It can be due to inner factors or due to squeezing of small pus-filled acne, causing the pus to run deeper into the skin and aggravating the infection.
7. Acne vulgaris: It is the most common form of acne and most frequently encountered in adolescents. The commonly affected parts with this type of acne include face, chest, back and shoulders. It is associated with the clogging of the ducts of the oil glands. It generally occurs due to the outbreak of various forms of acne.
8. Rosacea: It is characterized by the flushed appearance of face due to enlargement of the blood vessels caused by the inflammatory bumps. Redness, flushing and blushing are the common symptoms in this type of acne. People having rosacea experience more irritation, stinging and burning than general population. In normal cases, it affects the nose and the upper cheek area and in worst cases, it affects the whole face. Rosacea is also known as adult acne as its more common among adults. If papules appear in rosacea, it should not be squeezed as these will get irritated and larger in size. A more worse form of acne is ocular rosacea which generally occur in dry areas. Drink more water in both types of rosacea.
9. Conglobata: Its an intensive form of acne vulgaris where multiple cysts and nodules are formed, especially on large areas like chest, face, upperarms, back etc. It often results in excessive damage of skin cell and the scars produced by this acnes are more long lasting and permanent in nature. its more common in males than females.
10. Acne Mechanica: A form of acne that is caused due to heat, covered skin or repetitive friction against the skin. It can occur due to tight clothes, excess or repeated pressure or friction. Helmets, tight clothes, headbands or straps of weapons which constantly rub or pressurize body parts can be source of acne mechanical.
11. Acne Fulminas: Its a severe acne which result due to increased androgen in males. It is essential for patients of such acne to consult a dermatologist urgently.
12. Perioral Dermatitis: Its a common form of acne among young women. It starts with rash and later red or pink papules develop on the face, especially on cheeks and chin. Generally, the skin around the lips is less or not affected than other areas..
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