Types of Pimples

All pimples are not created the same and therefore the treatment for them is different. Acne can be noninflammatory or inflammatory. Noninflammatory acne consists of blackheads and whiteheads; inflammatory acne results from an immune response to bacteria and plug. The amount of inflammation determines the different kind of pimples, the severity of acne, and ultimately the potential to scar.

Papules: Papules are small, pink, domed bumps. They are tender to the touch. Even though we know we can cover these with makeup, we also know they can progress into something more, and they are not a welcome sight!

Pustules: These are small, round, pus-filled lesions. They are swollen and appear red at the base, with a yellowish or whitish center. At this point, you're probably cursing at the mirror.

Nodules and Cysts: These are large, deep and painful bumps filled initially with blood and then with pus. Nodules can linger under the skin's surface for weeks, or even months. They can be so painful, you don't even want to touch them. Persistent nodules can harden into deep cysts, and both cysts and nodules can leave deep scars.

Most people don't think they have acne until they see papules or pustules. However, blackheads and whiteheads are classified as acne and are part of the spectrum. Dermatologists have a grading system that helps determine the course of action to be applied to each type of acne they see. The dermatologist's priority is to prevent permanent scarring, so the moderate-to-severe category of acne is managed more aggressively than mild cases. The second priority is to clear your acne, so you look and feel better about yourself and your appearance. In mild cases, permanent scars are not a concern, so there is more room to try different topical products to clear the acne outbreaks you may be experiencing.

Because of fluctuations in hormones, as well as other factors, the grading of your acne can change as you age. A mild case of acne in a pre-teen boy may, if left untreated, progress to severe acne over the next few years as he ages and hormones change. A woman who had few problems with acne as a teenager may suddenly start experiencing outbreaks in her 30s.

Acne, unfortunately, doesn't occur only on your face. Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous glands, which have their greatest density on the face, ears, neck, chest, back, scalp and shoulders. There are fewer of these glands in the lower arms and legs, and none on the palms and soles of the feet. In severe cases of acne, you may experience outbreaks inside the ear canal! There is also a serious and rare form of inflammatory acne, known as acne conglobata, which develops primarily on the face, back and chest. This may involve severe bacterial infection and draining sinus tracts under the skin, which always leads to scarring; if you have symptoms of acne conglobata, you should contact a dermatologist immediately.

The identification of the different types of pimples and the grading system will help you determine a treatment plan, whether you apply home remedies for acne, or whether you decide to see a dermatologist for medical treatment.

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