Acne Vulgaris
Whiteheads: Whiteheads appear when a pore is completely blocked, trapping sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, causing a white appearance on the surface.
Whiteheads are normally quicker in life cycle than blackheads.
Blackheads: Blackheads develop when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebum (oil),
bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface.
The black color is not caused by dirt and poor hygiene.
A blackhead tends to be a stable structure, and can often take a long time to clear.
Papules: Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Do not squeeze a papule. It may leave scars that are difficult to handle.
Pustules: A pustule is inflamed, and appears as a red circle with a white or yellow center. Pustules are your garden variety zit.
Nodules: As opposed to the lesions mentioned above, nodular acne consists of acne spots which are much larger, can be quite painful, and can sometimes last for months.
Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin's surface. Scarring is common.
Unresolved nodules can sometimes leave an impaction behind, which can flare again and again.
Absolutely do not attempt to squeeze such a lesion.
Cysts: An acne cyst is similar to a nodule, but is pus-filled, and is described as having a diameter of 5mm or more across.
They can be painful. Again, scarring is common with cystic acne.
Squeezing an acne cyst may cause a deeper infection and more painful inflammation which will last much longer than if you had left it alone.
Acne Rosacea
Acne Rosacea can look similar to the aforementioned acne vulgaris, and the two types of acne are sometimes confused for one another.
Rosacea affects millions of people, most of whom are over the age of 30.
It appears as a red rash which is normally confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
The redness is often accompanied by bumps, pimples, and skin blemishes.
It is more prevalent in women, but both genders are effected.
