Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people around the world. It is characterized by the obstruction of the skin's hair follicles, which causes the appearance of pimples, blackheads and, in some cases, more severe lesions. There are different types of acne, each with its own characteristics and underlying causes. In this article, we will explore the eight most common types of acne and their distinctive features.
1. Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne and affects most people at some point in their lives. It is characterized by the presence of open and closed comedones, as well as papules and pustules. Open comedones are known as blackheads, while closed ones are called whiteheads. This type of acne usually appears on the face, back and chest.
Characteristics of acne vulgaris:
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Papules and pustules
- It mainly affects the face, back and chest
2. Hormonal acne
Hormonal acne is caused by hormonal imbalances in the body, especially during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. This type of acne tends to occur on the jaw, chin, and neck, and can be more persistent and difficult to treat than other types.
Characteristics of hormonal acne:
- Appearance mainly in the jaw, chin and neck
- More persistent and difficult to treat
- Related to hormonal imbalances
3. Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by inflamed nodules, painful cysts, and deep skin lesions. This type of acne can leave scars and requires appropriate medical treatment to manage.
Characteristics of cystic acne:
- Swollen nodules and painful cysts
- Deep skin lesions
- Can leave scars
4. Comedonic acne
Comedonic acne is characterized by the predominant presence of comedones, which are blockages of the hair follicles caused by the accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells. This type of acne is usually milder and can be treated with appropriate topical products.
Characteristics of comedonic acne:
- Predominant presence of comedones
- It can be milder than other types of acne
- Treatable with topical products
5. Acne fulminans
Acne fulminans is an extremely severe and rare form of acne that primarily affects young men. It is characterized by the presence of inflamed nodules, cysts, and ulcers on the skin, as well as systemic symptoms such as fever and general malaise.
Characteristics of acne fulminans:
- Inflamed nodules, cysts and ulcers on the skin
- Systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise
- It mainly affects young men
6. Cosmetic acne
Cosmetic acne is a form of acne caused by the use of comedogenic cosmetic products, that is, products that clog the pores of the skin. This type of acne usually appears in areas where cosmetics are applied, such as the face, neck, and chest.
Characteristics of cosmetic acne:
- Caused by cosmetic products comedogenic
- Appears in areas of cosmetic application
- Can be avoided by using non-comedogenic products
7. Neonatal acne
Neonatal acne is a form of acne that affects newborns due to the stimulation of the sebaceous glands by maternal hormones. This type of acne usually manifests itself in the form of small papules and pustules on the baby's face and tends to disappear on its own in a few weeks.
Characteristics of neonatal acne:
- Affects newborns
- Caused by stimulation of the sebaceous glands by maternal hormones
- Disappears on its own in a few weeks
8. Drug Acne
Drug acne is a type of acne caused by certain medications, such as steroids, antidepressants, or contraceptives. This type of acne can vary in severity and usually disappears once the use of the offending medication is stopped.
Characteristics of medication acne:
- Caused by certain medications
- May vary in severity
- Disappears when the use of the medication is stopped