From Teen to Adult: Navigating Different Types of Acne

Our dermatologists at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center, serving Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Trinidad, and the nearby CO regions, would like you to know that acne is a problem for people of all ages. There is more than one variety, each with distinct features.

Inflammatory Types of Acne

There are four different types of inflammatory acne, which come with redness and swelling.

Cysts 

Cysts develop when sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog pores. With this type of acne, the pores are clogged below the skin, and you'll notice pus-filled, red, or white bumps on the surface.

Pustules 

Pustules are a kind of red acne and possibly have either a white or yellow head. They happen when the pore walls break down. Pus will feel these bumps.

Nodules 

Nodules occur when you have a clogged pore that becomes irritated. They end up growing large, and they extend deeper than what both pustules and papules reach. 

Because of how deep they reach, prescription treatment is the only solution.

Papules

Papules are a variety of acne that appears pink due to inflammation. The pores' walls break down, triggering inflammation. The pores become clogged and tender to the touch. 

Non-Inflammatory Types of Acne 

Any non-inflammatory acne won't cause extensive redness or swelling of the skin. Two main types exist:

Blackheads

Blackheads appear as small black spots on the skin caused by sebum and dead skin cells clogging the pores. Though popular belief is the black spot is dirt, it's actually an open portion of the site where the pore remains open despite being clogged. The black portion comes from oxidation, meaning from oxygen entering the opening.

Whiteheads 

Like blackheads, whiteheads appear when the pore becomes clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. However, in this case, the top of the spot remains closed, making it look like a bump on the skin.

What Contributes to Acne

Oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells may clog pores. Inflammation can make matters worse and contribute to certain types of acne.

Moreover, hormones during puberty may lead to it in women and men, and women may experience acne around their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and from a hormonal imbalance. Moreover, before a woman goes through menopause, acne may appear.

Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center, serving Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad, CO, and the surrounding areas, has multiple dermatologists who can help if you have acne, especially when it isn't responding to over-the-counter solutions.

Book an appointment at one of our locations by calling:

Colorado Springs - 719-574-0310

Pueblo - 719-564-5544

Trinidad - 800-290-2478