Your Acne Decoded: Effective Treatments for Each Type of Breakout
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Different Types of Acne and How to Treat them (with pictures)
- Identify Your Acne: Knowing the type of acne is crucial for effective treatment; whether it’s whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts.
- Tailor Your Treatments: Different acne types require specific treatments; for instance, salicylic acid for blackheads and antifungals for fungal acne.
Acne comes in many forms, each with its own unique characteristics and treatment needs. From whiteheads and blackheads to cysts and nodules, understanding what you're dealing with is the first step toward clearer skin.
Whiteheads: The Sneaky Clogs
Whiteheads are like those little secrets your skin tries to keep. These occur when pores get clogged and close up, forming tiny white bumps under the skin's surface. They're usually pretty small and can be stubborn, but don’t worry! Gentle exfoliation and using non-comedogenic products can help keep these sneaky clogs at bay.
How to know if you have whiteheads: If you notice small, white, raised bumps on your skin that aren’t red or inflamed, you’re likely dealing with whiteheads. They’re most common in areas where your skin is oilier, like the forehead, nose, and chin.
Blackheads: The Pesky Open Pores
Blackheads are a bit more outspoken than whiteheads. They form when a pore gets clogged but stays open, causing the trapped oil and dead skin cells to oxidise and turn black. These little dots can be annoying, but regular cleansing and using products with salicylic acid can help keep those pores clear and free of these pesky open pores.
How to know if you have blackheads: Look for small, dark spots on your skin, especially in the T-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin). Unlike whiteheads, blackheads aren’t raised bumps; they’re flat and can make your pores look larger.
Papules: The Red, Angry Bumps
Papules are those inflamed, red bumps that can be tender to the touch. They don’t have a head, making them harder to pop (not that you should!). These angry bumps are a result of clogged pores that have become irritated and inflamed. To calm these down, look for treatments that reduce inflammation and keep bacteria at bay, like our DermaAngel Night acne patches, which are perfect for reducing redness and swelling.
How to know if you have papules: If you have small, red bumps that feel sore when you touch them, you’re likely dealing with papules. They won’t have a white or yellow centre, distinguishing them from pustules.
Pustules: The Pimple Pals
Pustules are similar to papules but come with a noticeable white or yellow centre filled with pus. They’re often what we think of when we hear “pimple.” These spots can be pretty tempting to pop, but resist the urge! Instead, use spot treatments to help reduce their appearance and heal faster like DermaAngel patches which contain additional salicylic acid to unclog pores. These can be combined with DermaAngel Day patches for round the clock coverage.
How to know if you have pustules: Check for red bumps with a white or yellow pus-filled centre. These are usually a bit larger and more painful than papules and are what most people recognise as the classic pimple.
Nodules: The Deep, Painful Bumps
Nodules are those deep, painful bumps that form under the skin’s surface. They occur when clogged pores become severely inflamed, causing large, firm lumps. These types of acne can be quite stubborn and may require a more intensive treatment approach to manage effectively. Nodules can sometimes lead to scarring if not treated properly, so it’s important to handle them with care and seek professional advice from your doctor or a dermatologist when needed.
How to know if you have nodules: If you feel large, painful lumps deep under your skin that don’t have a visible head, you’re likely dealing with nodules. These bumps can last for weeks and are often resistant to over-the-counter treatments.
Cysts: The Big, Bad Breakouts
Cysts are the most severe form of acne and can be quite distressing. These large, pus-filled lumps are similar to nodules but softer and more tender to the touch. They form deep within the skin and can lead to significant scarring. Cystic acne often requires professional treatment, including prescription medications and possibly drainage procedures performed by a dermatologist.
How to know if you have cysts: If you notice large, swollen lumps filled with pus that are painful and tender, you’re likely dealing with cysts. These breakouts can cover larger areas of the skin and may leave scars if not treated properly.
If you do notice post-pimple discoloration or scarring, pop on a DermaAngel Lightening patch. Our Lightening patch feature added dual active ingredients, Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and Centella Asiatica (CICA), to repair and lighten post-pimple marks and dark spots.
Shop DermaAngel Lightening Patches
Fungal Acne: The Yeast Party Crashers
Fungal acne, also known as pityrosporum folliculitis or malassezia folliculitis, is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the hair follicles. Unlike bacterial acne, fungal acne tends to be itchy and consists of small, uniform bumps. It’s often triggered by excessive sweating, humidity, and the use of oily skin products. Treating fungal acne requires a different approach, often involving antifungal treatments.
How to know if you have fungal acne: If you have small, itchy bumps that look similar and are often concentrated on the chest, back, or shoulders, you might be dealing with fungal acne. These bumps don’t typically respond to traditional acne treatments.
Hormonal Acne: The Teen Rollercoaster
Hormonal acne is a common rollercoaster ride for teens, triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels. This type of acne usually appears on the lower part of the face, including the chin and jawline. It can worsen during menstruation, puberty, and periods of high stress. Managing hormonal acne often involves a combination of topical treatments and lifestyle adjustments to balance hormone levels.
How to know if you have hormonal acne: If you experience breakouts primarily around your chin and jawline, especially during your menstrual cycle or periods of high stress, you’re likely dealing with hormonal acne. These breakouts can range from mild to severe and may include a mix of blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples.
Acne Mechanica: The Workout Woes
Acne Mechanica is often triggered by friction, heat, and pressure on the skin. It’s common among athletes, students, or anyone frequently wearing tight clothing or carrying heavy bags. The combination of sweat, heat, and constant rubbing can lead to breakouts, especially on areas like the back, shoulders, and forehead. To prevent Acne Mechanica, it’s important to shower immediately after sweating and wear breathable clothing.
How to know if you have Acne Mechanica: If you notice breakouts in areas where your skin experiences frequent friction, such as from sports gear, tight clothes, or backpack straps, you’re likely dealing with Acne Mechanica. These breakouts often appear as small, red bumps or pustules.
Acne Conglobata: The Severe Outbreaks
Acne Conglobata is one of the most severe forms of acne, characterised by widespread and interconnected nodules and cysts. This type of acne is more common in males and can cause significant scarring. It often requires aggressive treatment, including oral medications, and close monitoring by a dermatologist to manage effectively.
How to know if you have Acne Conglobata: If you have large, interconnected nodules and cysts that cover large areas of your body, causing severe inflammation and discomfort, you’re likely dealing with Acne Conglobata. This condition often leads to deep scars and requires professional treatment.
Acne Fulminans: The Sudden, Severe Storm
Acne Fulminans is a rare and extremely severe form of acne that comes on suddenly and is often accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and joint pain. This type of acne primarily affects teenage boys and young men and requires immediate medical attention. Treatment usually involves a combination of oral steroids and antibiotics to control the inflammation and infection.
How to know if you have Acne Fulminans: If you experience a sudden, severe outbreak of painful, inflamed nodules and ulcers, along with systemic symptoms like fever and muscle pain, you’re likely dealing with Acne Fulminans. This condition is a medical emergency and needs prompt treatment by a healthcare professional.
Pyoderma Faciale: The Adult Women’s Struggle
Pyoderma Faciale, also known as Rosacea Fulminans, affects adult women, typically between the ages of 20 and 40. It presents as a sudden onset of large, painful red nodules, pustules, and sores on the face. Unlike other forms of acne, Pyoderma Faciale does not affect the chest or back and can be very distressing due to its sudden appearance and severity.
How to know if you have Pyoderma Faciale: If you’re an adult woman experiencing a sudden outbreak of painful, red nodules and pustules on your face, you might be dealing with Pyoderma Faciale. This condition is confined to the face and requires professional dermatological treatment to manage effectively.
Acne can be a real confidence buster, but understanding its different forms and how to treat them can empower you to take control of your skin’s health. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn whiteheads or painful cysts, the key is to identify the type of acne and follow the appropriate treatment. Severe acne, like nodules and cysts, often needs professional medical intervention to prevent scarring and manage symptoms effectively so don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.
And in the meantime, reach for DermaAngel’s ultra-thin acne patches to cover, protect and treat blemishes when they do occur.
Shop DermaAngel Acne Patches
