Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It typically presents as pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, and can appear on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.
Acne can manifest in various forms and severity levels. Here are some common types:
Whiteheads- Closed, plugged follicles with a small white bump caused by the buildup of oil and dead skin cells.
Blackheads- Open, plugged follicles with a dark surface caused by oxidation of the oil and dead skin cells. Contrary to popular belief, the black color isn’t due to dirt.
Papules – Small, red bumps that are typically tender to the touch. They occur when the walls around your pores break down due to severe inflammation.
Pustules- Pimples filled with pus. They are red at the base and have pus at the top. They are often painful and can be bigger than papules.
Nodules- Solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin. They’re larger than papules and often need professional treatment as they can cause tissue damage.
Cysts- Deep, painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin. They are the most severe type of acne lesion and can cause scarring. Professional medical treatment is usually necessary for cystic acne.
The severity of acne can range from mild, with a few pimples or blemishes, to severe, with extensive breakouts and risk of scarring. It’s essential to approach acne treatment based on its type and severity, often requiring a tailored approach with skincare routines, medication, or professional dermatological interventions.
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