13 Things You Need to Know About Acne

Acne comes in many different forms and can be mild to severe in nature. There are many forms of acne. If you suffer from acne you should find out everything you can about this conditions. So here are 13 things you should know about acne.

1. Acne Vulgaris means 'common acne' and is the most common form of acne. It can cause whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts.

2. Sebum - Sebum is the substance that causes oily skin.

3. Whiteheads - Whiteheads are contained beneath the surface of the skin and are caused by blocked pores that trap the sebum, dead cells, and bacteria.

4. Blackheads - Blackheads often take a long time to clear up. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads occur in partially blocked pores. In blackheads, sebum, dead cells, and bacteria are slowly draining to the surface of the skin. The black color is caused by the pigments in the skin being exposed to air.

5.Pustules - Pustules have the common name of zits and are a red circle with a white or yellow center.

6.Papules - Papules are small red bumps on the skin that are tender and squeezing them can cause scarring.

7.Nodules - Nodules are much larger than other forms of acne. Lasting for several months, they are hard lumps beneath the surface of the skin and are often painful. Scarring is often a side effect of this type of acne so you should go to a dermatologist for treatment.

8.Cysts - Cysts, similar to nodules, except that they are filled with pus. They are also painful and can cause scarring if they are not treated. These should also be treated by a dermatologist.

9.Acne Conglobata - This is a rare form of acne vulgaris. You should know that this type of acne is extremely disfiguring. Because of this those with this form of acne can suffer not only physically by psychologically as well. It is marked by large lesions on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs and can be accompanied by numerous blackheads. Skin damage occurs as well as permanent scarring. This is a condition that can last for many years and is more prevalent in males than females.

10.Acne Fulminans - This is a sudden appearance of Acne Conglobata accompanied with a fever and aching of the joints. It is usually treated with oral steroids.

11.Gram-Negative Folliculitis - This is a bacterial infection which causes pustules and cysts. It is thought to be caused by long-term antibiotic treatment of acne.

12.Pyoderma Faciale - Females are the victims of this form of acne, usually between the ages of 20 and 40. Large painful pustules, nodules and cysts on the face and may leave permanent scarring. Oddly enough it most often occurs in women who have never experienced acne before and usually clears up within a year.

13.Acne Rosacea - This form of acne typically affects those over 30. It shows up as a red rash on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Occurring in females more than males, it is a different form of acne than Acne Vulgaris and treatment is different for the two types.