Acne’s Many Forms
Acne forms may be inter-related, those that develops from one form into another, or those that has its independent origin.
From the overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands the acne starts its development which can be triggered by many factors including stress, diet
and hormonal imbalance. Dead cells combined with oil and bacteria may cause the infection of the acne which may then become inflamed. This may lead to swelling,
pain, and redness at the site of the infection. Acne may be defined as inflammatory or non-inflammatory. It may begin from a minor lesion or microcomedo.
A microcomedo is very small and only the use of microscope may help it become visible. This will then develop into an open comedo or blackhead or a closed
comedo or whitehead. Similar to the comedo are pustules and nodules which are of a more serious form. Pustules are characterized by pus-filled, yellowish
bumps. Nodules are inflamed larger swellings.
Another form of acne is the papule. Papules are an intermediate between inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
These are typical pimples which are mildly inflamed and recognized for their redness, yet there is no visible pus in the center. The most severe form
of acne is called nodules, more commonly known as cysts. Cysts have a sac-like formation filled with pus. This is the most severe as it runs deep into the
skin tissue from the actual site of the infection. Cystic acnes cause more scarring than any other form of acne. Because it is deeply imbedded into the
skin, squeezing or pinching cystic acnes often cause the pus to scatter deep in the layers of the skin. The immune system is then triggered to release white
blood cells to combat against the widespread of the bacteria. This results in swelling and pain causing deep rooted inflammation. The most common
form of acne infection growing whiteheads or blackheads is acne vulgaris. Acne rosacea is a type of acne which afflicts mostly middle-aged women.
This is identified by a flushing of the face. In the most severe form of acne rosacea a condition causing a bulbous nose or rhinofima is more prevalent
in men.
Seldom is the case of infantile acne. Babies affected with this mild form of acne show symptoms at birth and the
symptoms will disappear in time. Research points out that this condition is mainly due to fetal hormonal changes. A form of acne that develops
in the scalp or around the hairline is called scalp folliculitis. The acid present in the scalp often causes the scalp to be flaky, itchy and dry and may
be caused by excess accumulation of oil and dirt in this area. Young women often experience perioral dermatitis. These are tiny papules and pustules
that appear around the mouth and chin, and sometimes below the eyelids. Fluorine contained in toothpastes and steroids may be the cause of this form of
acne. Acne conglobatan intensely affects the area around the back, face and the shoulders. This severe form of acne vulgaris has the tendency of becoming
cystic. It is identified with a number of non-inflamed and inflamed scars and nodules that are often found in men. Acne fulminans which is associated with
systematic symptoms mostly affecting teenage boys is another severe acne form. Contact us Home
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