Acne is the most common skin disease, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. Though acne isn't a serious health threat, it can be uncomfortable and unsightly. The different types are treated in different ways--some respond to treatment at home, while others require the help of a doctor or dermatologist.
Comedones
Comedones, also known as whiteheads or blackheads, are one of the most common types of acne. Comedones occur when the hair follicle gets clogged, usually by oil or dead skin cells or occasionally by bacteria. Blackheads, or open comedones, are open at the skin's surface and look black because of the reaction of their oil with the air. Whiteheads are also known as closed comedones--they stay below the surface of the skin, forming a white bump. Most comedones are treated with a skincare routine involving daily washing and occasional application of a product contain salicylic acid.
Papules
Small, raised bumps on the skin are called papules. Papules appear when the hair follicle is infected or inflamed. They may be red and tender, or they may not cause any discomfort in the area they occur. Unless they're an ongoing problem, a dermatologist will usually recommend that you treat papules using the same method you use to treat comedones.
Pustules
Pimples that are filled with pus are called pustules. This kind of acne is usually red and painful. If pustules are popped, they can cause scarring. Pustules are usually treated with direct application of a product containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help dry out the affected area.
Nodules
Nodules are a form of acne that occur deep in the hair follicle. They form when bacteria and blockages build far down the hair follicle. Nodules are usually painful and manifest themselves as large, solid bumps deep beneath your skin. Nodules are considered a serious form of acne and can cause scarring and long-term skin damage. A dermatologist may prescribe medication to treat acne nodules by clearing up the infection that causes them to preventing scarring.
Cysts
Like nodules, cysts form around clogged hair follicles deep beneath the skin, but they are filled with pus, making them even more painful and likely to cause scarring. If acne cysts are a continuing problem, your dermatologist may prescribe medication to help treat the infection causing the acne and prevent scarring.
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