Not all acne is the same. There are various types of acne that you should know about and how to treat them. Start by talking with your dermatologist to get an assessment of what kind of acne you have so that you can receive the best treatment. Blackheads and whiteheads often appear due to clogging that is formed from excess oil and bacteria in the skin. Your dermatologist might recommend a retinoid for it. Benzoyl peroxide-based products also work for blackheads and whiteheads. Here are additional types of acne.
Papules
Papules are small red bumps that appear when excess skin cells block your pores. However, papules don’t have pus, unlike regular pimples. You can treat papules with benzoyl peroxide-based acne treatments. Your dermatologist might also prescribe antibiotics or retinoids to eliminate the papules.
Pustules
These are bulging bumps that are white in the center and red around the outside of them. Pustules occur when blocked skin pores are infected, and they contain pus. It’s not wise to pop the pustules because the bacteria can spread to other parts of the face.
Cysts
This is one of the most severe forms of acne, and it is an infection in the skin’s surface. The cysts are usually large, red, and inflamed. Acne cysts are generally treated by a dermatologist. He might prescribe isotretinoin, spironolactone, or antibiotics. Keep in mind that it might take a few weeks of these acne treatments before you see results.
Non-Inflammatory and Inflammatory Acne
These types of acne fall into two categories; non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Blackheads and whiteheads are non-inflammatory. Papules, pustules, and cysts are inflammatory. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are used to treat non-inflammatory acne while antibiotics, topical corticosteroids, systemic steroids, and chemical peels can treat inflammatory acne.
How Acne Can Be Prevented
One of the best ways to keep acne at bay is to wash your face daily. This is because you need to remove all excess oil and dirt from your face to decrease formation of pimples. Visit your dermatologist to get an idea of what your skin type is. This helps you take care of it properly. Always moisturize your face and drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. If necessary, take a break from makeup or at least wear less of it to reduce acne.
Is My Acne a Sign of Other Health Problems?
Your acne isn’t always a sign of a serious problem but it can mean that minor health issues are taking place. Some people develop acne due to dehydration while others have acne due to a lack of proper sleep. If your diet consists mostly of fast food and sugary drinks, sometimes acne appears because of it. And did you know that excess caffeine consumption can play a role in the acne you get? Too much caffeine might interfere with your hormones and it leads to skin inflammation.
In conclusion, these types of acne don’t have to interfere with your overall appearance and confidence. With the right acne treatment and a healthy lifestyle, you can combat acne successfully.