TYPES
OF ACNE
Obstructive
Lesions–Whiteheads and Blackheads
(Comedones)
Initially,
as the blocked hair follicle grows and produces sebum below
the skin, it can begin to have a stretched out and dilated
opening on the skin. These are blackheads, which have black
color characteristics. The black is NOT dirt, but is thought
to be oxidized melanin or the presence of certain fatty
material in the sebum. When the opening on the skin is not
dilated and is microscopic, they appear as small white pimples,
which are commonly called whiteheads.
Inflammatory
Lesions–Red and Pus-filled pimples
The collected reservoir of sebum is a delicious growth medium
for bacteria and often infection with the bacteria P.
acne occurs. As the bacteria begin to multiply, it consumes
the sebum and releases waste and byproducts. These byproducts
cause our immune system to react and our own white blood
cells rush to the site of infection. When the agents of
our immune system (polymorphonuclear neutrophils or PMN
for short) reach the area, they kill and ingest the bacteria
and release chemicals to digest and clean up the area. This
entire process, called inflammation, is what we see as a
pus-filled or red pimple.
Scars
and cysts
As the inflammation and swelling resolves, some people are
left with scars and cysts. While scarring is most common
in those who develop nodular acne, small pimples can leave
a scar behind as well.
