Acne or Acne Vulgaris can surface in various forms. Sometimes, acne has a clearly-visible, inflamed appearance and sometimes, it is small and painful. Acne can be systematically divided across different types, based upon their typical characteristics.

A. Inflammatory Acne—Acne Lesions

Lesions usually refer to lacerations or abrasion of some type. However, acne lesions refer to various types of acne conditions in which there is a noticeable change in the facial tissue. Acne lesions are regarded as the early stage of an acne problem. These are usually found on the face along with the neck, upper back and shoulders.

The different types of acne lesions have been listed below:

1.  Comedones

These are the most common form of acne lesions found across individuals of nearly every age. A comedone is basically a plugged hair follicle. The plugging is usually caused by trapped sebum, sweat, dead skin cells, white blood cells and a proliferating bacterial infection. Comedones are further divided into:

• Blackheads—these are the early stage comedones. Here, the follicle isn’t fully plugged. The comedone has a slightly-inflamed appearance along with a small opening. The opening allows the oxygen to react with the melanin. Melanin is a pigment of the skin and upon oxidation, it develops a blackish hue. This renders the comedone its typical, black appearance.
• Whiteheads—these are the more serious form of comedones. The hair follicle is fully plugged here. Since there is negligible exposure to the air, the comedone retains a skin-like coloration with a small white head. If the whitehead isn’t treated immediately, chances of pus formation are quite high. Whiteheads are also called Closed Comedones.

2. Acne Nodules

Nodules are the harder, more painful form of acne lesions. This kind of lesion extends deeper into the skin’s layer. It can significantly damage the surrounding tissue. This kind of damage is visible in the form of an acne scar even after the nodule has been eradicated. Nodule formation is usually associated with puberty or phases of extreme hormonal changes such as pregnancy. Scars formed by acne nodules are among the hardest to treat. These scars look like deep holes or big bumps. It is usually inflamed and takes longer than most acne to heal. Acne nodules are more common among men. Nodules might be filled with a thick, pus-like fluid.

3. Acne Papules

A papule is a bit smaller than a nodule and it doesn’t contain pus. It isn’t as hard as a nodule. Papules usually occur in small clusters and have an inflamed appearance. They appear like red or pink spots from a distance. Papules are often referred to as acne pitting. This is because if picked upon or squeezed, a papule is most likely to leave a pit-like scar.

4. Acne Pustules

A pustule is quite similar to a papule. However, it contains pus and a distinct base and a top. The top is marked with a white spot that suggests accumulation of pus. Pustules are essentially untreated whiteheads.

5. Acne Cysts

An acne cyst is quite similar in appearance to a nodule. However, a cyst is usually a bit bigger and contains pus. Cysts are quite painful and can permanently scar the face.

B. Inflammatory Acne—Acne Rosacea

Rosacea is regarded as one of the most serious type of acne. It is also referred to as Inflammatory Acne due to its characteristic reddish appearance. Among advanced cases of rosacea, the entire face might appear inflamed. Acne rosacea is established when the acne tends to enter a self-proliferating phase. This means it multiplies rather fast, sometimes even when the causative factors are dormant. Initial stage of Acne Rosacea is marked by an increasing number of inflamed whiteheads. People often refer this to as having reddish-brown pimples.

During the first few weeks, formation of pustules too is common. If the condition isn’t treated at this stage, severe inflammation surfaces and Rosacea is established. The skin develops a very tender texture with some degree of swelling. The smallest exposure to the outdoors can cause marked flushing. The skin might become over-sensitive to the smallest of irritants, including regular cosmetic aids.

Acne rosacea causes widespread drying of the facial skin. This creates more skin debris which further causes plugging of the pores, sustaining the acne-formation process. There might be short phases of the symptoms receding but they usually re-surface with greater intensity. Such people might develop a combination skin. Along with a largely-dry skin, they develop zones of dilated skin pores. This causes development of oily skin is patches that worsens the condition.

A typical kind of Rosacea is referred to as Pyoderma Faciale or Rosacea Fulminans. This rosacea is found among females only. Its occurrence is rather abrupt. Sometimes, it surfaces with the onset of pregnancy. It is a severe form of acne and is known to severely damage the skin.

C. Non-inflammatory Acne

This refers to acne where the typical reddish or brownish coloration is not very significant. Sometimes, it is looked upon as the milder form of acne. However, non-inflammatory acne is as serious as inflammatory acne. It can take a chronic form if not treated comprehensively. It is usually found in males.

1. Acne Conglobata

This acne condition is usually found in males. The skin lesions appear connected to each other. There is widespread formation of whiteheads. The pustules might not appear threateningly red, but they can cause intense scarring.

2. Acne Fulminans

This acne condition is typically found in younger men. This is among the more rare kinds of acne. It is often accompanied by some degree of fever. Here, acne formation is usually diagnosed as a result of overall, lowered immunity.

D. Gram-Negative Folliculitis

A very rare acne condition, it often arises as a side effect of acne treatment that includes long-term abuse of antibiotics. The skin develops numerous cysts and pustules. This is among the hardest of acne conditions to treat.

It is important that along with understanding the various types of acne, you also explore the effective acne solutions. You should choose an Acne Treatment that is effective for eradicating the immediate symptoms and curing the problem. It is better to use Natural Adult Acne Treatments as they are effective and don’t pose the threat of side effects associated with some over-the-counter acne medicines.