Acne - Types

Definition

There are many different types of Acne. The most common type is Acne Vulgaris.

Description

ACNE VULGARIS: is the most common form of Acne which includes several types of lesions that can appear at the same time. Mild to moderate cases of Acne vulgaris can produce blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules. Each lesion usually last less than two weeks but the deeper papules and nodules may persist for months. It is a condition that mainly affects adolescents but may persist or even become more severe in adulthood. Acne vulgaris may occur on the face, chest, back and sometimes even more extensively. Severe cases of Acne vulgaris involve deep rooted inflammatory lesions that form cysts and nodules which are painful and produce scarring. Nodules are large, painful, hard bumps under the skin's surface. Scarring is common and more likely to occur if the nodule is squeezed. Cysts look similar to nodules, but are pus-filled, and are usually 5mm or more across. Cysts can be painful and scarring is more likely to occur with squeezing which may cause a deeper infection and more painful. Dermatologists have specific treatments for managing nodules and cysts. ACNE ROSACEA: is an inflammatory skin condition that appears as a red rash which is normally confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. The redness is often accompanied by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes. Blood vessels may also become more visible on the skin. Left untreated, it can cause swelling of the nose and the growth of excess tissue, a condition called rhinophyma. Treatment is often different for rosacea than for Acne vulgaris, and it is important to consult your Doctor for an accurate diagnosis. ACNE COSMETICA: The prolonged use of cosmetics, especially those containing isopropyl myristate and greasy ingredients such as lanolin, can be responsible for this type of Acne. Various cleansing creams, foundations, blushers and moisturisers may contain chemicals which can aggravate Acne. These products do not physically block the ducts but induce the formation of blackheads which progress into pimples. Acne Cosmetica appears mainly on the chin and cheeks. It is a mild form of Acne with little chance of scarring. The management is simple. Discover which cosmetic is causing the Acne and stop using it. Some cosmetic products use the description 'non-comedo genic' or 'non-acnegenic'. This means the products have been tested and shown not to worsen Acne. INFANTILE/BABY ACNE: is sometimes seen in newborn babies. It is a mild form of acne that resolves without treatment within a few months. This type of Acne is usually caused by hormonal changes that occurred as the fetus was developing. ACNE IN PREGNANCY: may occur due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy can cause Acne to improve in some women and worsen in others. In early pregnancy, Acne is more likely to worsen and gradually improve as the pregnancy progresses. This may be due to elevating levels of oestrogen. ACNE EXCORIEE: This condition is usually found in young girls, beginning in adolescence. The girl may find a pimple and start scratching at it viciously. The skin is damaged by the fingernails and is not able to heal due to persistent scratching, which leaves a broad, shallow scar. This should not be confused with an unconscious nervous habit. SEVERE ACNE: cases are rare, however, when it does occur, severe Acne can cause great hardship. Severe Acne can be disfiguring and, like all forms of acne, can have psychological effects on the person experiencing it. Types of severe Acne include: Acne conglobata: This is the most severe form of Acne vulgaris and is more common in males. Large lesions occur, which are sometimes interconnected, along with widespread blackheads. It can cause severe damage to the skin, and disfiguring scarring. It is found on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs. Acne fulminans: This is an abrupt onset of Acne conglobata. Symptoms include severe nodules and cysts that are often ulcerated. As with acne conglobata, extreme, disfiguring scarring is common. Acne fulminans includes causes a fever and aching of the joints. Gram-Negative Folliculitis: This condition is a bacterial infection characterised by pustules and cysts, possibly occurring as a complication of long-term antibiotic treatment of Acne vulgaris. It is a rare condition. Pyoderma Faciale: This type of severe facial acne affects only females, usually between 20 to 40 years of age. It causes painful large nodules, pustules and sores which may leave scarring. It begins abruptly, and may occur in a woman with no history of Acne. It is confined to the face, and usually does not last longer than one year.

Treatment Options

In cases where Acne persists into adulthood and appears to be triggered by the hormonal cycle, your Doctor may prescribe medication to help balance the hormonal activity. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat severe Acne and oestrogen-based oral contraceptives are prescribed for some women to help control the amount of oil flow to the skin. Picking and squeezing of pimples and blackheads should be avoided as this can cause the skin to rupture, spreading the inflammation and increasing the risk of scarring.

Pharmacist's Advice

1) Ask your Pharmacist or beauty consultant for advice about regular skin treatments to remove and reduce the occurrence of blackheads and pimples. Proper cleansing techniques can reduce the risk of scarring. 2) Follow the diet hints. 3) Your Pharmacist or beauty consultant can instruct you on how to use the cleansing and exfoliation treatments to keep the skin clean. 4) It is best to avoid using thick, oil-based creams and cosmetics if your skin is prone to Acne to help avoid clogging of the follicles which can cause Acne. Water-based products may be more suitable. 5) If your skin is sensitive, avoid using highly perfumed soaps and cosmetics. Some products use the description 'non-comedogenic' or 'non-acnegenic'. This means the products have been tested and shown not to worsen Acne. Ask your Pharmacist or beauty consultant to recommend the most suitable products for your skin. 6) Consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is inadequate. Your Pharmacist can advise you about supplements which may help to improve the skin.

Vitamins/minerals/herbs

Vitamins may be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate. - Zinc supplementation has been shown to improve Acne in some cases. - Zinc combined with Vitamin B3 (also known as nicotinamide, niacin or nicotinic acid) and Folic acid helps to manage Acne. - Vitamin A, as a supplement or in skin preparations, plays an important role in the treatment of Acne. Vitamin A is not suitable for pregnant women. - Calendula is used widely as a soothing ingredient in skin preparations. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound-healing properties. - Sarsaparilla and Gotu kola, taken orally, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help to improve Acne. - Tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective treatment in skin preparations for Acne.