Acne

What Types of Acne Are There?

Acne comes in various forms, each requiring different treatments. The main types include:

• Comedonal Acne: This includes non-inflammatory lesions like blackheads and whiteheads, where the pores are clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
• Inflammatory Acne: This form includes painful pimples or pustules caused by bacterial infections in blocked pores.
• Cystic Acne: The most severe form, cystic acne causes large, painful cysts under the skin, often leading to scarring.
• Hormonal Acne: This type is often linked to hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, and commonly affects the jawline and chin area.

How to Identify Your Acne Type

Whiteheads

A whitehead forms when oil, dead skin cells, and debris block a hair follicle. As... the blockage deepens, it causes the pore to close around it, resulting in the visible bump known as a whitehead.

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Blackheads

A blackhead forms when oil, dead skin cells, and debris block a hair follicle. As... the blockage grows near the surface, it pushes through the pore, exposing it to air. The oxygen reacts with the pigment in the oil, causing the blockage to darken, resulting in a blackhead, which is not caused by dirt and can't be washed away.

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Solar Comedones

Solar comedones, a form of acne, typically appear on sun-exposed areas like the cheeks and... are common in middle-aged and elderly individuals. This acne can consist of whiteheads, blackheads, or a mix of both.

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Papules and Pustules

Papules form when bacteria multiply in a blocked hair follicle, causing the follicle wall to... tear. This can happen from the blockage growing larger or from squeezing a whitehead or blackhead. White blood cells rush in to fight the bacteria, causing inflammation and forming a pus-filled pocket, known as a papule. Pustules usually follow a few days later as the pus rises to the surface, often being mistaken for whiteheads.

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Nodules and Cysts

Acne nodules and cysts are large, inflamed papules or pustules that form when the follicle... wall splits, spilling the blockage and bacteria into surrounding tissue. This causes widespread inflammation, and if pus fills the area, it becomes an acne cyst. Both nodules and cysts can take a long time to heal if untreated, so it's recommended to see a doctor for the best treatment options.

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Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris, or "common" acne, occurs when multiple lesions, whether the same type or a... mix of different types appear on an area of skin. This condition can involve a variety of acne lesions spread across the skin.

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Identifying your acne type is key to finding the right treatment. Acne severity is usually classified into three categories:

• Mild Acne: This type includes mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with a few small pimples (papules). It’s usually confined to a small area and is not painful. Treatment for mild acne: Over-the-counter products like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• Moderate Acne: Involves more widespread whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory pimples (papules and pustules). You may experience some discomfort or mild scarring. Treatment for moderate acne: Stronger topical treatments or oral antibiotics.
• Severe Acne: Characterised by large, painful pimples, cysts, or nodules. It can lead to scarring and affects larger areas of skin. Treatment for severe acne: Prescription medications like oral antibiotics or isotretinoin, plus professional dermatological care.

Mild Acne

This type includes mostly whiteheads and blackheads, with... a few small pimples (papules). It’s usually confined to a small area and is not painful. Treatment for mild acne: Over-the-counter products like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

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Moderate Acne

Involves more widespread whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory pimples... (papules and pustules). You may experience some discomfort or mild scarring. Treatment for moderate acne: Stronger topical treatments or oral antibiotics.

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Severe Acne

Characterised by large, painful pimples, cysts, or nodules.... It can lead to scarring and affects larger areas of skin. Treatment for severe acne: Prescription medications like oral antibiotics or isotretinoin, plus professional dermatological care.

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How to Prevent Acne

Preventing acne involves adopting a consistent skincare routine and making lifestyle adjustments. Here are some essential tips:

• Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face twice daily with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt.
• Avoid Picking or Squeezing Pimples: This can worsen acne and lead to scarring.
• Oil-Free Products: Choose skincare and makeup products labelled “non-comedogenic” to avoid clogging pores.
• Hydrate: Even oily skin needs moisture. Use an oil-free moisturiser to keep skin balanced and hydrated.
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques and get adequate sleep to reduce stress-related breakouts.
• Healthy Diet: Limit sugary foods, dairy, and processed snacks that may trigger acne.

What Treatments do I offer for Acne?

There are a variety of treatments available for managing acne, depending on its severity:

• Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids to help treat mild to moderate acne.
• Prescription Medications: I may prescribe topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, or topical/oral retinoids like isotretinoin for more severe acne.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For cystic acne, I inject corticosteroids into cysts to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.