acne problem

No matter what you call them - zits, pimples, blackheads, or blemishes - acne lesions can wreak havoc on your social life and seriously impact your self-esteem. In order to treat your acne successfully and heal your skin, you need to understand the differences between the various types of acne and learn about the best ways to treat them. This article discusses how the three main types of acne are diagnosed and the steps you will need to take to get rid of them.

Comedones

Comedones are the least severe of the acne types and include the blemishes commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads. They occur when the pores become packed with hair, dead skin cells, and oil from the sebaceous glands; they are non-inflammatory and only affect the outer layers of skin.

Blackheads are diagnosed when the pores are open and the material trapped inside presents as tiny dark spots on the skin; whiteheads are clogged pores that are closed, giving them a slightly raised, domed appearance.

Comedones are best treated at home with mild, natural cleansers and topical acne creams.

Papules

These lesions are frequently known as pimples and may occur singly or in clusters. They appear as small, reddened bumps on the face, chest, neck and back, and they may be filled with a small amount of pus. Picking or squeezing the pimples can cause damage to the walls of the pores, allowing the infected material to penetrate further into the skin and make the lesions worse.

Papules can often be dealt with at home with over-the-counter topical medications, although more stubborn cases may require treatment with prescription drugs.

Nodules and Pustules

These painful lesions are the most severe type of acne and almost always cause some degree of scarring. They are characterized by hard lumps in the skin which can range from red to dark purple in color, and they are frequently tender to the touch. Although it can be tempting to pop the cysts, doing so can cause the acne to spread.

If nodules or pustules do not respond to treatment with over-the-counter medications, prescription medications may be required. In many cases, the care of a dermatologist is needed to determine the best treatment or combination of treatments to address problem skin.

Help and Advice for Acne Sufferers

With our free acne newsletter, you can learn how to reduce the appearance of acne and enjoy the clear, smooth skin you have been wishing for. Find out the latest methods for treating pimples, and discover how you can treat and prevent these unattractive blemishes with proven home remedies that bring out the natural beauty in your skin. Visit us today at http://www.acnetipsusa.com.

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