Acne: What are the Classifications of Acne?

Acne can be easily divided in to three main types. All these three types of acne are further classified and this classification is usually based on the severity of the condition.

The severity is further based on the number of lesions that are present on the body in conjunction with the presence of persistence, psychological impact as well as scaring.

- Types of acne

a) Comedonal

This type of acne can be considered as the initial phase of acts. It usually triggers of with the onset of puberty. It starts its onset on the nose and can progress further to involve the checks, forehead and chin.

Conedonal acne consists of white heads and black heads. There are no traces of pimples. This type of acne may exist separately or even with many other types of acne.

b) Papulopustular

This is the most common type. It is also considered to be the main type. It appears on the skin in the form of reddish pimples and can easily range from mild to severe. The acne most commonly involves upper arms, neck, back and chest of the body.

c) Nodulocystic

Nodulocystic acne is considered to be the most severe type. It is more severe than the Papulopustular acne and also involves the presence of large deep lesions, also known as nodules. It may also result in the formation of acne cysts. It can also affect the chest, face and back. This type is most common among the male.

d) Other types

Acne has many forms. These are seen as a small red dot to big pus filled cysts. However, all these types are related to each other. This means that they are developed from one another. They may also be completely independent in their origin.

e) Nodules

These are severe forms of acne also known as cyst as they are pus filled appear in sac-like formation. These are also considered to be the worst type of infection that tends to spread under the skin towards the adjoining tissue around the primary infection site. These are filled with pus and usually run deep inside the skin. Nodules can be very painful and scarring.

f) Cystic

This type is very common and caused by squeezing, picking or pinching small acne filled with pus. These activities makes the pus inside the cyst to burst deep inside the tissue of the skin and results in to a body mechanism that sends white blood cells to the affected area and these cells work towards fighting off bacteria. Cystic acne also results in a lot of swelling and deep rooted inflammation that ultimately results in pain.

g) Acne Vulgaris

This consists of black as well as white heads. This is easy to treat and can be taken care of via applying 2.5 per cent Benzoyl peroxide topically to the infected area.