An estimated 45 million people in the U.S. suffer from acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Acne, medically defined as acne vulgaris, develops when oil and dead skin cells obstruct hair follicles. Blemishes may cause self-consciousness and embarrassment. In severe cases, scarring may result. Blemishes commonly include blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and pustules. More severe forms of acne are called nodules and cysts.
Comedones
Comedones, commonly referred to as blackheads and whiteheads, develop when the openings of hair follicles become clogged with dead skin, oil and possibly bacteria, reports the Mayo Clinic. This debris blocks the openings of pores.
Closed comedones are known as whiteheads. They are slightly raised bumps that appear light in color. Comedones that are open at the skin surface are called blackheads because the plugs in the hair follicles appear dark.
Pimples
Pimples, also called papules, commonly develop after whiteheads or blackheads become infected, according to Medical News Today. Pimples appear as small, raised bumps that typically indicate that inflammation is present in the hair follicle. Papules may be red and sore to the touch. You are generally considered to suffer from acne when you have recurrent breakouts of pimples.
Pustules
Pus may form in a pimple when the blockage goes deeper into the skin, says the AAD. This type of blemish is known as a pustule. Pustules are small, inflamed, pus-filled, blister-like lesions that can pop up anywhere on the body but often develop on the face, shoulders, back, under the arms and in the groin. Pustules may indicate that a bacterial infection is present.
Nodules
One of the most acute types of acne is called a nodule. Nodules are hard, painful lumps. They form underneath the surface of the skin due to a buildup of secretions deep within hair follicles. Nodules and cysts are the most severe and painful types of acne and are difficult to treat. This type of acne calls for a visit to the dermatologist.
Cysts
Cysts are boil-like lesions that occur due to a very deep blockage that causes large, inflamed and very painful lumps. They are similar to pustules but are more inflamed, reports the AAD. According to the National Institutes of Health, cysts may be filled with air, fluid, pus or other debris. They can result in permanent scarring if they do not receive proper medical treatment.
