Acne Information

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


MORE RESOURCES:

CaymanMama.com (press release)

Roche ordered to pay $13M to users of acne drug
The Associated Press - 7 hours ago
All three began using Accutane a decade ago to treat teenage acne. One of the group is expected to soon have his colon surgically removed while the others ...
New Jersey Jury Awards $12.9 Million to Three Patients Whose Use ... MarketWatch
Roche drug litigation suit pays $13M to Accutane users CaymanMama.com (press release)
all 88 news articles


AsiaOne

The pill isn't the best answer for acne
AsiaOne, Singapore - 22 hours ago
By Thidakarn Ratanabanangkoon, MP Q. Does the birth-control pill cure acne? My 13-year-old daughter is getting a lot of pimples. ...


Acne gel being recalled
Capital News 9, NY - Nov 17, 2008
DG Maximum Strength Acne Medicated Gel sold at Dollar General and the Equate Medicated Acne Gel sold at Wal-Mart are being pulled off the shelves. ...


Business Wire (press release)

Arcutis Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA Approval of Acanya™ Gel for ...
Business Wire (press release), CA - 13 hours ago
Evaluated in clinical studies enrolling over 3200 subjects with moderate to severe acne, Acanya Gel is the only FDA-approved fixed combination antibiotic ...


Medicated Acne Gel Recall: Sold at Wal-Mart, Kroger and Dollar General
AboutLawsuits.com - Nov 18, 2008
A recall has been issued for 1 ounce tubes of 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cream, which were sold as “Kroger Acne Gel”, “DG Maximum Strength Acne Medicated ...


Benzoyl peroxide topical acne cream recalled
Prescribing Reference, New York - Nov 18, 2008
CSI, Inc. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of all lots of 1oz (28g) tubes of 10% benzoyl peroxide acne cream because product samples were found to ...


New Study Finds CO2 Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Safe And ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Nov 19, 2008
For many acne patients, the resulting acne scars which last long after the pimples have disappeared can cause considerable psychosocial distress. ...


The truth about acne - Part II
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica - Nov 17, 2008
Often times, acne involves an increase in oil production, so persons with acne may notice that they have a more oily skin than others. ...


New Acne Cream with Manuka Honey by Honeymark
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - Nov 19, 2008
Manuka Honey is the first breakthrough in the area of acne treatment in many years. This special type of honey is produced by bees that feed on the nectar ...


AsiaOne

In the throes of acne agony
AsiaOne, Singapore - Nov 17, 2008
If you're getting older and still getting acne, this may help. ReVive Acne Reparatif combines anti-acne and anti-aging ingredients. ...

Acne - Google News

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