There are
two basic types of
Acne; non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.
Non-Inflammatory Acne
Noninflamed lesions called comedomes, consist of
two types of acne:
1. Closed Comedones, or whiteheads, with no visible opening.
2. Open Comedones, or black heads with visible, dilated openings that are discolored as exposed fatty acids are discolored by air.
»» See forms of non-inflammatory acne treatment here.
Inflammatory Acne
Inflamed lesions result when the follicular wall ruptures to produce up to three types of acne:
1. Papules: the mildest form of inflammatory acne this lesion appears as a
small and firm
lump in the
skin. This is often quite tender but unless there are many, rarely obviously visible.
2. Pustule: like papules, pustules are
small and round, however, pus is visible.
3. Nodule: otherwise known as cystic lesions, this is the most serious form of acne and is the result of comedone pollutants spilling into surrounding tissue. The body reacts to this by producing pus to halt the
spread of infection. This type of acne may cause scarring if
left untreated. Medical treatment is advised.