Table of Contents

Different Types of Acne and How They Are Formed

Acne is a common skin condition that causes zits and pimples most commonly on the face, but could also affect the shoulders, neck, back, chest and upper arms. Acne is more common in teenagers due to the hormonal changes that begin to manifest at this time. However, a lot of adults do experience this too. In this article, we will be exploring their formation and the different types of acne.

How Acne Is Formed

Our Skin is made up of tiny holes called pores. These pores are openings to a follicle and in each follicle is a hair and a sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces sebum(oil) which travels up the hair follicle and unto the skin to keep it moisturized.

Acne arises when the pores become clogged.

The common cause of clogged pores are:

Excess sebum production

Dead Skin cells

Bacteria ( Propionibacterium acnes)

When the pores get clogged by one or all of the above, oil gets trapped under the skin causing swelling and redness (acne).

Pin for later!

Types Of Acne

There are two broad classifications of acne:

Non-Inflammatory acne

Inflammatory acne

Watch the video

Non-Inflammatory Acne

These are known as comedones. in this type, there is no inflammation secondary to bacterial infection. there are two types of acne under this group: blackheads and whiteheads.

#1 Blackheads

Blackheads arise when the pores get clogged by oil and dead skin cells but remain open to the air, giving it its typical black look.

#2 Whiteheads

Whiteheads arise from the same pathways as blackheads. however, whiteheads are covered with a thin layer of skin giving it a white appearance.

Inflammatory Acne

Inflammatory acne arises when in addition to clogged pores caused by oil and dead cells, there is a bacterial infection in the pore causing redness and pus formation. There are four types of acne is this class.

#1 Papules

These are small red bumps that are caused by an inflamed hair follicle. They are usually very painful. They occur commonly on the face.

#2 Pustules

Pustules are like papules. However, are filled with pus.

#3 Nodular Acne

These are a severe form of acne. like other types are formed by clogged pores that are infected but in this type, the infection arises from deeper within the skin. They are usually hard and could be the same color as the skin or red if inflamed. Nodular Acne could last weeks to months if untreated.

#4 Cystic Acne

This is the most severe form of acne. like their nodular counterpart, they also arise from deep within the skin. However, Acne cysts are filled with fluid that is usually very tender and tends to scar more easily than other types.