Everyone hates acne, but you can’t do anything about the fact it appears on your skin from time to time. The following article will explain the different types of acne, and how to treat them. We will start with the main two groups, and then explain their sub-types in detail.

Non-inflammatory Acne

Blackheads and whiteheads are non-inflammatory acne. These don’t swel,l and can be easily treated with OTC treatments. Salicylic acid is commonly used to treat non-inflammatory acne. It exfoliates the skin, and removes dead skin cells to clear off the pores.

Blackheads

Blackheads appear when a pore is clogged by sebum and dead skin cells. The top stays open, although everything else is clogged. This is why it has a black color on the surface.

Whiteheads

These appear when a pore is clogged by sebum or dead skin cells. The top of the pore closes, and it looks like a some small bump is protruding from your skin. These are hard to treat because the pore is closed. You can use salicylic acid, or topical retinoids which can help against whiteheads. You can also use adapalene. If this isn’t effective, then use strong topical retinoids.

Inflammatory Acne

Red and swollen acne is called inflammatory acne. Sebum and dead skin cells do contribute, but bacteria plays a vital role in  clogging your pores. Bacteria causes an infection deep beneath the skin surface, and this develops painful acne.

Benzoyl peroxide reduces swelling and gets rid of bacteria in the skin. It removes excess sebum. The doctor may also recommend antibiotics with it to help treat the inflammatory acne. The following will explain the different types of inflammatory acne and how you can treat them!

Cysts

These types of acnes develop when pores are clogged by bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum. The clogs develop deep within the skin and are even deeper than nodules. These are large and are painful to touch. These cysts can develop as a reaction to a severe infection. This type of acne is likely to leave a scar behind.

Isotretinoin or Sotret medications help in treating cystic acne. If it gets severe, you might need to remove the cyst surgically.

Pustules

These form a wall  when pores break down. Pustules have pus in them. The bumps protrude from the skin and are red. These may have yellow or whiteheads..

Papules

These form when walls around the pores break down because of severe inflammation. This leads to hard clogged pores which are painful to the touch. The skin around papules is pink.

Nodules

Nodules appear when clogged, and swollen pores endure irritation and grow. These are deep underneath the skin. Nodules are so deep within the skin, that you can’t treat them at home. Prescription medication is used needed to treat them.

Once again, you can use Isotretinoin (Sotret) to help treat it. This ointment is made from Vitamin A. You might have to use it for months. It treats and prevents nodules as it fights off the bacteria in the oil gland in pores.