4 Types of Acne Lesions

There are 4 types of acne. They are listed in order of severity:
1. Comedo
2. Papule
3. Pustule
4. Cyst
The first, and the mildest, is called a comedo, which is actually a clogged pore. It forms when oil from your hair follicle sticks to the top of your skin, thus blocking your pore. Types of comedos are whiteheads and blackheads - dependent on if the pore is open or closed. Whiteheads are closed with sebum. Blackheads are open with sebum but the "plug" is open to the air around it, so it turns dark. Many think the dark part of a blackhead is dirt but that is not the case.
The next 2 types of acne are papules and pustules. These are the red bumps that look "infected". These occur when the follicle is totally obstructed and the oil is blocked under the skin. The pore becomes irritated which lets bacteria and dead skin cells under the skin. This is when you see swelling. The small red bump is known as a papule. If it contains a yellowish substance, it is called a pustule. The more pus, the more infected it is. Papules can last up to 10 days; pustules up to 6.
Finally, the most severe type of acne is a cyst. They are painful bumps that have a lot of pus in them. This occurs when the inflammation is buried underneath the skin. If this bursts under the skin, it can lead to scarring. Cysts can last up to several months.
Once any of these types of acne starts to heal, you will either get red spots (called macules) or scars. Macules can last up to a year. Scars will usually only occur when you have very deep cysts but can also form if you pick or "pop" your pimples. Scars are permanent but they will fade and it is helpful to remove dead skin cells by exfoliation.
Keep tuning in to find out the best way to care for your skin. Also, feel free to comment!!!