Acne: Learn the Difference Between Various Types of Pimples & How to Treat Them

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. It affects nearly 50 million Americans annually. There are several factors responsible for causing acne, including hormones, genetics, hygiene, and stress. There are several different types of acne, each with its characteristics and treatment options. This article will discuss the different types of pimples and how to treat them.
The medical name for the most common type of acne is called acne vulgaris. It typically appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Let’s take a deeper dive into each type of pimple caused by acne vulgaris.

Common Types of Pimples (caused by acne vulgaris)

• Blackheads are small, dark spots on the skin caused by a build-up of oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads can be treated with over-the-counter acne medications or a face wash that contains salicylic acid.
• Whiteheads are small, pus-filled bumps that develop when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. They are similar to blackheads but have a white tip at the top of them instead of a dark one. Whiteheads can be treated with acne medication or topical creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfuric acid, or salicylic acid.
• Papules are small red bumps on the skin that are caused by acne. They are usually less than a quarter-inch in diameter and can be treated with over-the-counter acne medications or topical creams.
• Pustules are red, inflamed bumps on the skin that contain pus. They are similar to papules but are larger in size. Pustules can be treated with acne medication or topical creams.
• Nodules are large, painful bumps on the skin that are caused by acne. They are similar to papules but are much larger in size. Nodules can be treated with acne medication or topical creams.
• Cysts are large, pus-filled bumps that develop beneath the skin. They are the most severe type of acne and can be pretty painful. Cysts can be treated with acne medication or surgery.

Rare Types of Acne

Fungal acne is a rare type of acne caused by a fungus. More specifically, it occurs when an excess of yeast develops in hair follicles. It appears as small, red bumps on the skin and can be treated with antifungal medications.

Acne Conglobata is a severe form of acne that should be treated by a medical professional. It features numerous inflamed nodules linked beneath the skin to adjacent nodules. It may affect the neck, chest, arm, and buttock regions. It is frequently associated with scars. This kind of acne is more common in men and can be caused by steroid or testosterone use.

Another form of acne sometimes referred to as “sports-induced acne” or “runner’s acne,” is Acne Mechanica. It has these nicknames because it frequently affects athletes and is caused by heat, friction, and pressure against the skin. Sports gear, such as a helmet or baseball cap, is a common cause. Wearing an absorbent fabric beneath sports equipment and bathing after activity are both recommended preventive measures.

The Best Treatments for Acne

Each type of acne requires a different treatment approach. However, most cases of acne are mild and can be treated with over-the-counter acne medications or topical creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfuric acid, or salicylic acid. You can try to treat fungal acne by using an over-the-counter antifungal medicine containing butenafine, clotrimazole, or ketoconazole cream. If your acne does not improve after using over-the-counter treatments, it’s best to consult with a specialist to find a treatment that your body will respond to.

Seek Help from a Professional

Moderate to severe acne is best treated by a medical-grade treatment administered or prescribed by a certified medical professional specializing in skincare, like Shawna Joaquin, of Flawless Medspa in Excelsior, MN. In severe cases of acne, a specialist may prescribe you a more potent medication or recommend surgery.

Suppose you’re struggling with acne and feel like it’s a losing battle. In that case, it may be time to contact a certified medical professional to complete a skin analysis and review the treatments you’ve been using to determine the best treatment plan for you. A trained, certified medical professional has experience treating the various types of acne and differing levels of severity. They have the knowledge and expertise to develop the best course of action to have your acne clear up and how to prevent breakouts from recurring.