Acne - Causes, Symptoms & Cures

The most common form of acne is Acne Vulgaris, which generally manifests itself in several types of pimple, including whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules and the more severe form of cysts and nodules.

Moderate or mild acne vulgaris
Whiteheads are the result of a skin pore becoming blocked which then traps sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria under the skin surface resulting in a white appearance on the surface. The cycle of a whitehead is generally more rapid than that of a blackhead, which leads us nicely into our next section.

Blackheads are caused when a skin pore is partially blocked which allows a little of the trapped material which would otherwise cause a whitehead to drain to the skin’s surface. The resulting black colour which appears on the skin’s surface is caused by melanin, the skins own pigment, as it reacts with the atmosphere, in particular, oxygen. A blackhead often, unless squashed, takes considerably longer to naturally clear than a whitehead.

Pustules are more generally known as regular spots or zits. They are inflamed whiteheads with a yellow or white centre.
Papules are bumps with no head; can be inflamed and tender and should never be squeezed as, there being no head, they will only pop under the surface and squeezing may result in scarring.

More severe acne vulgaris

Cysts and nodules may appear to be similar, but cysts are generally acknowledged to be 5mm or more in diameter, filled with pus and painful. As a natural reaction to this type of acne the sufferer will want to squeeze the cyst which can lead to deeper infection, a lengthier problem and scarring.
Nodules are generally larger than the spots associated with mild and moderate acne vulgaris. They are long lasting, painful and often leave scarring, especially if squeezed or rubbed. It is imperative that nodule sufferers do not try to eradicate them by applying pressure to them. This will cause severe problems and injury to the skin and almost certainly result in scarring.

Although similar in appearance to acne vulgaris, Acne Rosacea generally affects people over the age of 25 to 30.
As a rule acne rosacea sufferers do not have blackheads and the acne confines itself to the face and forehead.
It manifests itself as a rash, red in appearance, with whiteheads, lumps and general blemishes of the skin including visible blood vessels.
Generally acne rosacea is more common in women although when men have it, it is more severe.
Without treatment acne rosacea can result in ‘rhinophyma, an excessive growth of skin tissue and swelling of the facial features, predominantly, the nose. It is important to obtain medical advice as to whether you have acne vulgaris or rosacea, as the treatments for the two conditions can be very different.

The four main types of severe acne are Acne Fulminans, Acne Conglobata, Pyoderma Faciale and Gram-negative Folliculitis.

Acne Conglobata is a form of acne vulgaris, although relatively uncommon. It is more prevalent in men and can cause severe damage to the skin resulting in scarring. It appears as several large, usually connected areas of spots, lesions and blackheads and is found on the face, arms, chest, back, buttocks and upper thighs. Usually starting between sixteen and twenty-five, Acne Conglobata may remain a problem for several years. The cause is unknown, and treatment includes accutane over a lengthy period, although very often this condition is resistant to treatment.

Acne Fulminans is characterised by the speed of its appearance and is a variation of acne conglobata. Generally affecting young men it appears as severe nodular acne and is very often responsible for severe scarring. It has the distinction of being responsible for flu-like symptoms such as aching joints and raised temperature.

Pyoderma Faciale is a facial acne, generally affecting females between the ages of eighteen and fifty, and appears as large pustules, sores and nodules on the face, which can leave scarring. Rapid in its onset, it may affect women who have never before had problems with acne. Although relatively short lasting, usually no more than a year it is without doubt one of the most serious forms of acne.

Caused by a bacterial infection, Gram-Negative Folliculitis is a rare form of acne, as yet not fully researched. At present the causes are unknown and it is also unknown whether it is more common in males or females.

By: Paul Schaverien

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