What type of pimples do i have

Although there are two primary categories, there are many different types of acne which we'll discuss in even more detail later on. Non-inflammatory acne is characterized by comedones, which can be open or closed. These comedones are more commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads and are generally referred to as different types of pimples. Self-extraction of comedones can cause more harm than good. The follicle walls in blackheads and whiteheads can be ruptured quite easily, and this rupture allows bacteria to enter the surrounding pores and leads to inflamed acne.

Inflammatory breakouts are a result of P. Acnes bacteria infecting the follicles, causing a response from the body that can lead to acne breakouts. There are four types of inflammatory acne, sometimes commonly referred to as different pimple types: papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. When it comes to acne diagnosis, acne vulgaris is measured on grades of severity and can be diagnosed into three main different classifications: mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild acne is characterized by a small number of acne lesions less than 20 comedones and 15 lesions. People with moderate acne typically have between 20 and comedones, and 15 to 50 inflammatory lesions.

Severe acne is categorized using the following metrics:. There are other different types of acne that are not considered acne vulgaris, acne fulmians, or acne mechanica. They can look similar and exhibit comparable symptoms, but they tend to be much more difficult to treat and alleviate.

This type of acne is generally very hard to treat and it may require consultation with a professional dermatologist along with an effective skincare routine. Gram-negative folliculitis is a bacterial infection that closely mimics acne, but in reality, it's a pustular rash.

This infection can arise from continued use of certain long-term antibiotics prescribed to treat acne; this is because the body builds up an immunity to these antibodies over time, resulting in worse acne flare-ups. Pyoderma faciale can mimic both acne and rosacea, but it is neither.

Here are a few key differences to note when diagnosing acne and rosacea vs. This painful skin condition predominantly afflicts women, usually between the ages of 15 and 46 years old , and its onset is quick and immediate. Individuals with this skin condition will exhibit cysts, pustules, and nodules seemingly overnight. There are usually no comedones present with this condition on its own, but it is known to accompany cases of acne vulgaris.

Usually, this skin condition lasts no longer than a year and is not associated with the production of oil in the skin. This is a rare condition and is usually best treated with medication prescribed by a dermatologist. No matter the severity or type, individuals dealing with acne breakouts and other skin conditions often struggle with emotional effects as a result. For teenagers early in their social development, skin ailments such as acne can cause self-esteem issues and in severe cases, depression.

Adults who deal with different kinds of acne can also face negative emotional impact as a direct result of their skin condition. The sooner you see a dermatologist about your acne, the sooner you will start seeing improvement. While getting a pimple every now and again isn't a big deal, if you're constantly battling breakouts and are struggling to get them under control, it's time to make an appointment with a dermatologist.

This is especially true if you're prone to larger blemishes like acne nodules. Medications can help you clear your skin, so don't wait to make that call. Dark spots caused by pimples can be treated with retinoid products such as Retin-A. These can help reduce pigmentation and scarring left behind after pimples heal. Squeezing pimples or making them pop can cause permanent scars and lead to irritated, painful blemishes.

This is due to debris in the pimple being pushed further into the skin. In some cases, popping pimples can cause an infection from bacteria on the fingers. It allows medication to be delivered to the spot, prevents sun exposure and bacteria that can irritate the pimple, and discourages picking at it. These products can be found at your local drug store or pharmacy. Dealing with acne can be frustrating. Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control.

Sign up and get yours today. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. Merck Manual Professional Version. Acne vulgaris. Updated December Why topical retinoids are mainstay of therapy for acne. Dermatol Ther Heidelb. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Pimple popping. Hydrogel-based active substance release systems for cosmetology and dermatology application: a review. Your Privacy Rights.

To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes.

Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Diet and Acne Myths about dietary causes of acne abound. See Photo. Hiding Pimples With Make-Up. Shop for products containing benzoyl-peroxide. Papules occur when the walls surrounding your pores break down from severe inflammation. This results in hard, clogged pores that are tender to the touch. The skin around these pores is usually pink.

Pustules can also form when the walls around your pores break down. Unlike papules, pustules are filled with pus. These bumps come out from the skin and are usually red in color. They often have yellow or white heads on top. Nodules occur when clogged, swollen pores endure further irritation and grow larger. Unlike pustules and papules, nodules are deeper underneath the skin. Prescription medication is necessary to help clear these up.

Your doctor or dermatologist will likely prescribe the oral medication isotretinoin Sotret. This is made from a form of vitamin A and is taken daily for four to six months. It can treat and prevent nodules by decreasing oil gland size within the pores. Cysts can develop when pores are clogged by a combination of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells.

The clogs occur deep within the skin and are further below the surface than nodules. These large red or white bumps are often painful to the touch. Cysts are the largest form of acne, and their formation usually results from a severe infection. This type of acne is also the most likely to scar. The prescription medication isotretinoin Sotret is commonly used to treat cysts.

In severe cases, your dermatologist may surgically remove a cyst. Check out: Anti-acne diet ». Blackheads and whiteheads are the mildest forms of acne. These can sometimes be cleared up with OTC topical medications, such as salicylic acid-based toners or benzoyl-peroxide spot treatments.

There is even one type of retinoid, known as adapalene, which is now available over the counter. Pustules contain fluid or pus, and they show up as large white bumps surrounded by red, inflamed skin.

Most commonly, bacterial growth in clogged follicles causes pustules, McMahan says. Smaller pustules may go away without treatment, but you can also use topical benzoyl peroxide or sulfur-based face washes, McMahan says.

Both of these can decrease inflammation and kill bacteria that are growing in the follicle and on the skin's surface. In more severe cases, Crutchfield says topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed by a dermatologist.

These include minocycline oral and clindamycin topical. Papules are solid, raised lesions usually less than one centimeter in diameter, McMahan says.

They may be a variety of different shapes, colors, and sizes. While they start out solid, after a few days they may fill up with pus and become a pustule. The key is to avoid irritation to the area, says McMahan. Don't scrub your skin and be gentle when you cleanse with warm water. You can wash your face with a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleanser. McMahan also recommends that you avoid putting makeup on papules, so the affected area can get as much air as possible.

A nodule develops when the pores deeper down in the skin are plugged by dead skin cells and oil, says Crutchfield. This results in a large, deep lesion that may be visible on the surface if it's inflamed. If they continue to grow larger, they can become a nodule cyst, Crutchfield says, which is usually painful.