 
   
Acne
Education : How Does Acne Develop?
Types
of Acne Lesions
Acne lesions can fall into two categories, Inflammatory or Non-Inflammatory
Acne. Understanding what type of lesions you suffer from is important
in choosing an Acne Treatment.
Non-Inflammatory Acne is simply an enlarged and blocked Follicle. If this
Comedo stays beneath the skin it is called a closed comedo or “whitehead”.
This is by visible white bumps. If the comedo reaches the skin’s
surface it is called an open comedo or “blackhead”. The black
appearance is not due to dirt, but rather the skin’s sebum as it
is exposed to the air. Untreated, both blackheads and whitehead may stay
in the skin for a long time.
Inflammatory Acne occurs when the wall’s of the Follicle rupture.
The bacteria, sebum and cells irritate and inflame the surrounding skin
and result in what is characterized by redness and swelling. There are
several subtypes of Inflammatory Acne:
• Papules – inflamed lesions that usually
appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
• Pustules (pimples) – papules topped by
white or yellow pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base
• Nodules – large, solid, and often painful
lesions that form deeper within the skin
• Cysts – deep, painful, pus-filled lesions
that can cause scarring.
Example
of Inflammatory Acne
Types
of Lesions
References
1) Goodman G (2006).
"Acne and acne scarring - the case for active and early intervention".
Aust Fam Physician 35 (7): 503-4. PMID 16820822.
2) Purvis D, Robinson E, Merry S, Watson P (2006). "Acne, anxiety,
depression and suicide in teenagers: a cross-sectional survey of New Zealand
secondary school students". J Paediatr Child Health 42 (12): 793-6.
PMID 17096715.
3) Anderson, Laurence. 2006. Looking Good, the Australian guide to skin
care, cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgery. AMPCo. Sydney. ISBN 0 85557
044 X.
4) American Academy of Dermatology: http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatment.html
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