Acne 101

Written By: Hanifah Ouro-Sama

Acne is a skin condition known to affect almost everyone at some point in their lives. Pores are composed of a hair follicle and its corresponding sebaceous gland. The gland produces sebum (oil) to keep the skin moisturized. Nonetheless, hair follicles can become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, resulting in the perfect environment for bacteria to flourish in. This often leads to inflammation and erythema (redness) which manifests in the forms of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and so on. The different variations of acne can be categorized into two groups: non-inflammatory and inflammatory.

Non-inflammatory acne is produced when sebum and dead skin cells clog pores. This group consists of whiteheads and blackheads. A whitehead is a small white spot or bump. A blackhead is a small dark-colored spot or bump. Whiteheads and blackheads are commonly mistaken for one another. However, they’re distinct. A whitehead’s pore is closed, while a blackhead’s pore remains open. The open pore is exposed to oxygen, and therefore, it appears black.

Although inflammatory acne also occurs because of dead skin cells and sebum, it’s unique because bacteria is involved as well. When bacterial infections occur below the skin’s surface, red, swollen, and sometimes painful pimples develop. Papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts are all types of inflammatory acne. Sometimes, severe inflammation results in the walls that encompass the pores to break. This causes papules and pustules to develop. A papule is a pink, tender bump on the skin. A pustule is a pus-filled, red bump. Oftentimes, there is a white or yellow head at the top of the bump. Nodules are on the more severe side of the spectrum. They’re classified as inflamed lumps located deep within the skin. Nodules materialize when clogged pores impair cells and tissues below the skin’s surface. The most serious type of acne are cysts; large, pus-filled, painful lumps. These form deeper in the skin than nodules.

Fortunately, acne is a condition that can be treated with active ingredients. Mild acne such as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules can be treated with over-the-counter skin care products such as soaps, pads, creams, etc. The most beneficial active ingredients found in OTC products are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retin-a, and azelaic acid. On the other hand, people with severe acne involving cysts and nodules should consult with a dermatologist. A dermatologist can formulate a skin care regimen that specifically caters to the patient’s skin condition. They might prescribe medication with similar active ingredients as OTC products. However, the medication may contain a higher percentage of ingredients, or it may be an antibiotic to reduce the bacteria.

Acne is a common skin condition known to affect billions of people worldwide. Various types of acne can be grouped as either non-inflammatory or inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne consists of whiteheads and blackheads, while inflammatory acne appears as papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Acne is not dangerous, but it can be bothersome. Depending on the severity of the acne, it can either be treated with OTC medications or prescriptions. It’s always best to consult a dermatologist for advice regarding acne.

Sources

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“Acne.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Feb. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047.

Cherney, Kristeen. “Types of Acne: Pictures, Treatments, and More.” Edited by Sarah Taylor, MD, Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 Oct. 2010, www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/types-of-acne.

“Papules and Pustules.” Papules and Pustule | How to Get Rid of Acne | Proactiv®, The Proactiv Company, 19 May 2017, www.proactiv.com/en_us/types-of-acne/papules-pustules.html.

“All About Acne: Acne Basics .” All About Acne: Acne Basics — Blog, 17 Jan. 2017, www.dermva.com/all-about-acne-basics/.