The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 40 to 50 million Americans have acne, which usually shows up on the face, chest and back. It is caused by an overproduction of oil, the irregular shedding of dead skin cells, which results in irritation, and the build-up of bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic. Understanding the characteristics of acne is one way to find the best treatment.
Comedones
Comedones, also known as whiteheads and blackheads, are created when the openings of hair follicles become clogged with oil secretions, dead skin cells and sometimes bacteria, the Mayo Clinic says. When comedones are open, they're called blackheads, because the hair-follicle plugs are dark. When comedones are slightly raised skin-colored bumps, they're called whiteheads, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Papules
Papules are often red and tender to the touch because of inflammation. They are essentially inflamed whiteheads and contain no pus, so do not poke or try to pop them. Scarring and irritation can result from picking at a papule.
Pustules
Pustules are similar to papules and are also tender to the touch. The tips of these bumps are filled with yellow or white pus. Do not scratch, pick or try to pop pustules, because the pus can spread and lead to further infection.
Nodules
Nodules, the largest form of acne, are skin-colored bumps underneath the skin. They are formed by the accumulation of dirt, oil and bacteria deep within the hair follicles. They are solid and painful lumps that never fill with pus and usually decrease in size over time. Sometimes, however, they can persist for weeks or even months and become painful cysts.
Cysts
Acne cysts are a combination of papules and pustules--red, tender and filled with pus at their tips. They look like boils and often leave scars. In addition, they can be painful.
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