Though anyone can get facial acne, the Mayo Clinic notes that most acne appears on the face due to hormonal issues, and therefore teenagers undergoing hormonal changes as part of the maturation process are more likely to suffer from the condition. Acne.org, a clearinghouse for acne information, lists six types of acne that can appear on the face.
Acne Vulgaris
Listed as the most common form of facial acne by Acne.org, mild to moderate forms of this acne type can cause whiteheads (oil-blocked skin pores), blackheads (partially oil-blocked pores), papules (tender red spots) and pustules, commonly referred to as zits (ring-shaped red areas with a yellow or white center).
Severe forms of acne vulgaris can bring about nodules, which are painful, hard bumps that can linger on the skin for months and cause scarring; and cysts, which are similar to nodules, though larger (at least 5 mm in diameter) and pus-filled.
Acne Rosacea
Acne rosacea is similar to acne vulgaris, and Acne.org notes that people often confuse the two. This acne usually appears as a red rash with pimples and other skin blemishes, does not form blackheads and tends to be more common in women. Without treatment, acne rosacea can lead to a condition known as rhinophyma, where the nose swells and facial skin grows excessively.
Acne Conglobata
More common in males, this type of acne can cause severe and permanent scarring, and can last for years, often resisting any attempts at treatment. Its characteristics include widespread blackheads and many lesions that can be interconnected.
Acne Fulminans
Acne fulminans is the sudden appearance of acne conglobata, though with the additional symptoms of aching joints and fever. It tends to affect younger males, commonly leads to severe scarring, and, like acne conglobata, is very hard to treat, rarely responding to antibiotics.
Gram-Negative Folliculitis
This acne may be the result prolonged acne vulgaris treatment with antibiotics. A bacterial infection that forms cysts and pustules, it is a rare form of acne that seems to respond well to treatment with Accutane (isotretinoin).
Pyoderma Faciale
Also known as rosacea fulminans, this type affects only females between the ages of 20 and 40, can come on suddenly even with no prior cases of acne, and results in painful and large pustules and nodules. Unlike the other acne types, which can occur in other areas of the body besides the face, pyoderma faciale will only occur on the face.
