Types of Acne

Acne vulgaris, as common acne is known, is classified as a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. Acne is characterized by the presence of pimples or "zits", blackheads, and whiteheads.  These various types of pimples are:

• Whiteheads - remain under the skin and are very small.

• Blackheads - clearly visible, they are black and appear on the surface of the skin. Remember that a blackhead is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously when you see blackheads will not help.

• Papules - visible on the surface of the skin. They are small bumps, usually pink.

• Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are red at their base and have pus at the top.

• Nobules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are large, solid pimples. They are painful and are embedded deep in the skin.                                       

• Cysts - clearly visible on the surface of the skin. They are painful, and are filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars.