Types of acne on the face and their treatment

Dirty air in big cities, poor diet, constant stress - all this negatively affects the condition of the skin. All these factors affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands, causing them to work faster and longer. Acne is no longer just a problem for teenagers. How to deal with these unpleasant formations, which in cosmetology are called “imperfections”?

General recommendations

For those who suffer from any type of acne, experts give important recommendations. They must be followed regardless of the specific type of acne that worries the patient. Firstly, you should not squeeze pimples. This can lead to the formation of boils. The infection will spread throughout the body. In exceptional cases, it may even penetrate the brain. Also, squeezing leads to a scar subsequently remaining on the skin at the site of the imperfection.

After squeezing out pimples, wounds remain on the skin, in the treatment of which the cream with a bactericidal and wound-healing effect “ARGOSULFAN ®” has proven itself well. Unlike many antibacterial ointments that have long been familiar to us, to which microbes have developed resistance, it contains silver sulfathiazole, to which bacteria do not become accustomed. The active substance of the cream “ARGOSULFAN ®” has a wide spectrum of antibacterial action and promotes rapid healing of the wound without the formation of a rough scar.

There are contraindications. You need to read the instructions or consult a specialist.

Also, under no circumstances should you steam pimples - this will lead to further spread of the bacterial infection. One more important recommendation should be remembered: those who suffer from acne should not use cleansing scrubs or wipe the skin with ice cubes, as this increases inflammation and has a damaging effect on the skin.

Sometimes patients believe that they can cope with the problem on their own by searching on the Internet for descriptions of different types of acne, photos and names. But self-medication can cause irreparable harm to the skin. If we are not talking about the simplest type of acne - blackheads - you need to be treated only by a qualified dermatologist.

Different types of acne and their treatment

The reasons why acne occurs can be very different - from genetic predisposition to bacterial infections. Experts distinguish two categories of acne – non-inflammatory and inflammatory. The first group includes white and blackheads. Moreover, most often you can hear complaints from patients about blackheads. It is quite possible to cure this type of acne on your own - but only in the initial stages. The second type - inflammatory acne - includes a large number of different formations. These include conglobate acne, colds and red pimples.

Acne conglobata

One of the most common types of acne is the so-called acne conglobata. Typically they occur on the face, back and chest. Conglobate acne looks like large nodes located in the deep layers of the skin and sometimes involving the upper layers of subcutaneous fat. Their diameter in some cases can reach 2 cm. Such acne can also merge with each other, forming conglomerates. After opening them, ulcers form that do not heal for a long time, and then large scars. In some cases, the nodes merge with each other, forming the so-called cutaneous sinus tracts, which seem to “undermine” the skin of the torso and face.

This type of acne on the face causes a lot of inconvenience. It is impossible to take a photo, as they look extremely unattractive and are difficult to disguise. Acne conglobata often causes a decrease in self-confidence. Various psychological complexes appear. This type of acne has other names: multiple, or piled up. This is one of the most severe forms of acne; it often recurs and becomes chronic. When suppuration occurs, boils and abscesses often form.

Reasons for appearance

It is believed that the cause of this type of acne is largely due to genetically determined high levels of testosterone. Also, hormonal balance can be disrupted throughout life due to exposure to environmental factors. Another reason is the proliferation of various bacteria on the surface of the skin. Their vital activity leads to damage to the walls of the sebaceous glands located in the lower layers of the skin, which leads to the development of inflammatory reactions. Experts also identify a number of provoking factors that lead to the occurrence of this type of acne:

1. Frequent stress, as well as anxiety and depressive disorders. When a person is in such states for a long time, this provokes increased production of the so-called “substance P”, which provokes disturbances in the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
2. Dietary disorders. It is believed that this type of acne can be caused by excessive consumption of foods with a high content of iodine and bromine (iodized salt, as well as seafood).
3. Taking steroid hormones, anticonvulsants, antidepressants.
4. Negative environmental influences: solar radiation, skin pollution from city dust, too frequent washing of the skin with soap, poorly selected cosmetics, mechanically injured skin.
5. Smoking. Refers to the main factors that provoke the appearance of conglobate acne.

Treatment of conglobate acne

In many ways, treatment tactics depend on the age and gender of the patient, the type of activity, and lifestyle. The doctor must assess what stage the disease is at and whether there are any disturbances in the functioning of the internal organs. Therapy is selected taking into account individual characteristics and type of acne. A photo may not be enough to make a diagnosis, so you should not contact a doctor about this problem via the Internet. For successful therapy, an in-person visit to a specialist is necessary. First, the doctor prescribes previous therapy, which consists of the following processes:

1. Sebometry – procedures for determining the amount of sebum on the surface of the skin;
2. Study of hormonal levels, as well as the level of skin moisture;
3. Study of skin microrelief using video monitoring;
4. Consultation with a gynecologist and endocrinologist.

Systemic therapy

Consists of the following procedures:

1. Prescribing antibiotics according to specific regimens. Doctors often prescribe Cefotaxime or Kefzol intravenously or intramuscularly. The duration of the course of antibiotics is up to 14 days, and Prednisolone is often additionally prescribed.
2. Taking combined oral contraceptives. Medicines are prescribed even in cases where testosterone levels are not elevated. Before taking COCs, a preliminary consultation with a gynecologist is required.
3. A course of retinoids. The drugs are prescribed after antibiotic therapy has been administered.

In addition, local remedies are also prescribed:

1. Ointments and emulsions containing antibiotics - zinc ointment, ointment with gentamicin, Clindamycin gel.
2. Retinoids in cream form (Retin A, Differin).
3. Non-drug therapy - laser treatment, oxygen-ozone therapy.

Non-inflammatory acne

Acne that is not accompanied by an inflammatory process is called comedones. They appear when the skin pores or mouths of hair follicles become contaminated with a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells. In turn, comedones are divided into two types - open and closed. Open comedones are a type of pimples on the face that are commonly called blackheads. They appear as dark dots. At first, the sebum that clogs the pore is colorless, but then gradually darkens. The size of a comedone is usually no more than 2 mm. This type of acne can be treated on your own, but it is recommended to see a doctor to avoid infection.

Among all types of acne in children and adolescents, this type is the most common. As a rule, it does not require additional therapy, and treatment includes means that can help reduce the formation of comedones. As a rule, preparations containing salicylic acid and azelaic acid are used. Tretionin is considered a particularly highly active agent, aimed at reducing the number of comedones. If the patient is well tolerated, Tretionin is applied to the affected areas of the skin once a day. Azelaic acid is used 2 times a day. These drugs are used for several months until complete recovery is achieved.

Inflammatory acne

One of the most common types of acne on the face and back is red acne. They are inflamed nodules on the surface of the skin, the size of which can reach 5 mm. This type belongs to the group of inflammatory acne. Their red color indicates the occurrence of an inflammatory process. Most often, red pimples are a reaction of the body's immune system to bacterial activity. If an infection occurs, the pimple may become larger and more painful. After some time, pus comes to the surface, and the acne gradually disappears.

Treatment of red pimples

Experts warn: red pimples should not be squeezed. After all, these actions can bring acne to the boil stage. The best therapy is to wipe the skin with a special lotion with antiseptic properties or aloe juice. In case of acne breakout, the wound should be treated with an alcohol-containing product.

If this type of acne appears on the back or other parts of the body, you should consult a doctor. Typically, laser or chemical peeling, ultrasonic cleaning, and ozone therapy are prescribed as therapy of this type. After consultation with a specialist, treatment can be continued at home. Zinc or ichthyol ointments, drugs "Zinerit", "Differin", "Curiosin" and others are usually prescribed.

Traditional medicine methods are also effective. You can make your own compresses or lotions from a decoction of calendula, chamomile, and nettle. The use of white clay is also effective. A special mask made from clay and calendula infusion cleanses the skin well.

Purulent pimples, the reasons for their appearance

This is another type of inflammatory acne. Among all types of acne on the skin, this type is the most unpredictable. A purulent pimple, as a rule, matures for a long time before suddenly showing itself “in all its glory.” This type of acne appears due to increased activity of the sebaceous glands. As a result, bacteria begin to multiply intensively on the surface of the skin and the inflammatory process begins. Often purulent acne appears on other parts of the body - they are also the most common among other types of acne on the back. Also, small purulent acne appears as a result of the body’s reaction to taking certain medications - steroids or antibiotics. Also, this type of acne can occur on various parts of the body due to hormonal imbalance. The likelihood of purulent acne is reduced with proper hygiene.

Types of acne on hands

Rashes on the hands are divided into several types. Firstly, acne on the hands can be of an infectious type and occur for the same reasons as on other parts of the body. Secondly, rashes on the hands can appear due to an allergic reaction of the body. It should be noted that often various types of acne on the hands indicate the presence of an infection or fungus - the cause may be eczema, scabies and other diseases. If acne occurs due to an allergic reaction, it is worth remembering that it can be life-threatening. That is why, if you notice acne on your hands, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t rack your brains looking at the different types of acne on your hands in photos on the Internet. Timely consultation with a doctor is the key to quick recovery and health safety.

Cold pimples

During the cold season, cold acne becomes especially common. This is due to weakened immunity, which cannot fully fight various viruses and bacteria. Cold weather, drafts, and frequent hypothermia lead not only to acute respiratory infections, but also to the occurrence of this type of acne. A photo of this type of acne, like others, cannot be called aesthetic. Acne looks like lumps, which over time develop into extensive skin inflammation, sometimes with a white head at the top. However, unlike other categories of acne, cold pimples do not contain pus and therefore cannot be squeezed out. Pus accumulates inside such pimples gradually. They also take a long time to ripen, in some cases within 1-2 weeks. These pimples are also very difficult to disguise as they appear as red lesions. They appear most often on the face - on the lips, forehead, chin, head.

Treatment of cold acne

Typically, antiseptics, Vishnevsky ointment, and ichthyol ointment are used to combat cold acne. Using an antiseptic solution, you can significantly limit the spread of inflammation on the skin. For this purpose, preparations that contain salicylic acid, alcohol, and iodine are used. Antiseptics must be applied pointwise. This helps destroy bacteria on the surface of the skin.

Often, acne of this type appears on problematic skin, which is characterized by an increased level of sebum production. It clogs pores, mixes with dust and dead skin particles, thus creating a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Their waste products create an inflammatory process on the surface of the skin. In this case, ointments with an antiseptic effect can provide good help, which will destroy harmful microorganisms, reduce inflammation, and also have an analgesic effect. These include Levomekol, syntomycin ointment, and Baziron AS.

An affordable and effective drug - Vishnevsky ointment

Vishnevsky ointment is one of the most affordable and reliable drugs for the treatment of colds. It contains natural ingredients - birch tar, ichthyol, and castor oil. The ointment helps speed up the process of pimple maturation and its release. For maximum effect, you need to apply a thick layer of ointment on a piece of sterile tissue or gauze, apply it to the pimple and secure it overnight with an adhesive plaster. The main advantage of Vishnevsky ointment is its safety. The drug can also be used to treat other types of acne on the body. A significant drawback is the specific smell that not everyone will like.

Ichthyol ointment

Ichthyol ointment is also an excellent way to treat colds. It is made on the basis of ichthyol and petroleum jelly. Ichthyol ointment differs from Vishnevsky ointment in that it cannot accelerate the ripening of cold acne. However, it is able to draw pus out. Therefore, ichthyol ointment is best applied to an already mature pimple.

"Levomekol"

Excellent fight against inflammatory processes. At the initial stage of acne formation, you need to apply a thin layer several times a day to the painful area of ​​the skin. After the pimple is opened, you can apply bandages containing ointment, this will significantly speed up the healing process and will also prevent possible complications.

Syntomycin ointment

Since cold pimples are characterized by increased pain, syntomycin ointment is well suited for their treatment. It quickly relieves discomfort. The ointment contains chloramphenicol, which belongs to the class of antibiotics. Using the product helps reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration.

"Baziron AS" is a medicinal gel widely used in the treatment of acne. It can be used to eliminate acne of various origins - colds, acne conglobata on the face and back. The gel is also used to treat various types of acne on the legs. The gel should be applied 2 times a day - morning and evening. "Baziron AS" is quickly absorbed without leaving any unpleasant sensations.

All methods described in this article are for informational purposes only. Before using any product, consultation with a specialist is necessary. You cannot treat inflammatory acne on your own, as this can only worsen the situation.

Acne is considered an unpleasant cosmetic defect that can appear on any part of the body, including the face.

There are different types of skin acne, which are classified according to their severity, level of inflammation and the reasons for their appearance on the face.

To choose an effective treatment method, it is important to determine what types of acne appear on the patient’s face and whether they are a sign of any dangerous pathology.

Symptoms

A subcutaneous purulent pimple looks like a hard growth, colored reddish or white and slightly rising above the epidermis.

When such a compaction matures, a bright red tubercle is formed, and when pressure is applied to it, pain appears. The size of a red pimple can reach more than 2 cm.

Often, when large purulent accumulations form on the face, the growth of other types of acne increases. In complicated situations, large nodes give the skin an unhealthy reddish tint, and it becomes very lumpy.

The location of such areas is mainly the areas most susceptible to the inflammatory process, that is, the arms, shoulders, face and neck.

For a long time, red subcutaneous pimples do not form purulent pustules, and are accompanied by pain when pressed and severe itching.

Causes

One of the most common causes of acne on the face is considered to be changes in the body's hormonal levels.

Most often, such disruptions occur during adolescence, when the greatest activity of hormones is observed.

In addition, increased production of hormones in the body occurs during pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause.

Hormonal imbalance often affects the functioning of the sebaceous glands and causes the development of hyperkeratosis.

In addition, the following reasons can trigger the appearance of acne on the face:

1. pathologies of the digestive tract;
2. improper and irrational nutrition;
3. failure to maintain skin hygiene;
4. exposure to adverse environmental factors on the body;
5. stressful situations and emotional stress;
6. infectious diseases;
7. use of low-quality cosmetics;
8. exposure to chemicals.

All processes of human life are closely interconnected and the failure of any of the systems can result in the appearance of acne on the face.

Types of acne on the face

All acne on the face is divided into inflamed and non-inflamed.

In an adult

In adults, various types of rashes may appear on the face and some of them may indicate dangerous pathologies progressing in the human body.

Inflamed pimples are clearly visible on the face due to their bright red hue around the rash. Pimples have purulent contents and when you press on them, slight pain appears.

Inflamed rashes are divided into the following types:

1. Papules - these are red spots on the face in which there is no purulent content. Such rashes rise slightly above the skin in the form of small tubercles. When you press on a pimple, it turns slightly pale, but over time it returns to its color.
2. Pustule It is a pimple with pus inside. Externally, such a rash has a white head in the center of the elevation and can form from a papule. Experts do not recommend squeezing out pustules, since there is a high risk of spreading infection and blood poisoning.
3. Nodes - This is a type of subcutaneous formations that are localized in the deep layers of the epidermis. These pimples are dark red, burgundy or bluish in color. The size of the nodes can reach several centimeters in diameter and are accompanied by pain even at rest.
4. Cysts - these are several nodes located nearby, which can be connected under the skin by cavities-fistulas. In such a situation, eliminating the cyst is quite problematic, and traces always remain in its place.

Uninflamed acne does not pose a danger to humans, since there is no inflammatory process in them.

At the same time, they can be the starting point for the appearance of papules and pustules, and therefore also require attention.

Such rashes on the body are called comedones and appear when the sebaceous gland is blocked by various impurities mixed with sebum.

Open comedones or blackheads appear as a result of oxidation and can reach several millimeters in size.

You can eliminate such rashes at home using special cosmetics.

Closed comedones appear when the lower part of the skin pores on the inside becomes clogged.

Small white bumps form on the face, and their contents cannot come out on their own.

Tar soap for acne on the face. More details here.

Video: Types of rashes on the face

In children

Experts identify several types of acne that can appear on a child’s face.

Miliaria is one of the most common causes of rash in childhood. Your baby's skin changes color and may turn bright pink.

Rashes with cloudy contents appear, and the red color of the epidermis is considered a sign of an inflammatory process.

Infectious prickly heat develops when, when a vesicle ruptures, microbes enter the wound and an inflammatory process develops.

An allergic reaction is accompanied by the appearance of rashes on the face and the cause of its development can be any product.

The most common location for red rashes is the chin and cheeks. There may be only redness of the facial skin without the appearance of acne and the child is bothered by severe itching.

Neonatal acne appears as a severe, small, red rash and does not require any treatment.

Pimples are not accompanied by itching and disappear on their own after a few months. When the sebaceous glands are blocked, small white nodules may appear on the child’s face.

Erythema toxicum is red pimples on a child's face that have gray heads. The rash primarily affects the face and scalp.

Possible complications

After acne, age spots may remain on the face, but they do not cause any discomfort or harm to the person.

Most often they disappear without special treatment after a few weeks. However, sometimes after rashes, scars may remain on the face, which are not only difficult to get rid of, but even completely impossible.

A scar can form on the skin in order to compensate for a skin defect caused by an inflammatory process. Scarring of the tissue ends at the moment when special fibroblast cells are released into the lesion.

What not to do

Acne is not only a cosmetic defect, but an inflammatory process of the skin, which is often complicated by other pathologies.

When squeezing out acne, there is a high risk of infection getting into the weakened area. Of particular danger is the nasolabial triangle, which consists of a large number of vessels supplying the brain. There is a high probability of developing pathologies such as meningitis and encephalitis.

With each squeeze, the number of formations such as boils increases. Even in the absence of infection, mechanical damage to the skin occurs and scars form.

Treatment

For successful treatment of acne on the face, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.

Medication

You can improve the condition of the skin with rashes on the face using the following medications:

1. Klenzit.
2. Zenerite.
3. Differin.
4. Curiosin.
5. Heparin ointment.
6. Ichthyol ointment.

If the local use of ointments does not bring the desired effect, then oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

For this purpose the following may be prescribed:

1. antibiotics;
2. hormonal drugs;
3. retinoids.

The use of certain medications is permitted after a preliminary examination of the patient and study of the individual characteristics of his body.

At home

It is necessary to begin treating acne at home with primary cleansing of the skin. For this purpose, it is allowed to use special cosmetics and this procedure should be carried out no more than twice a day.

Do not forget about moisturizing your facial skin, even if it is oily. It is best to choose creams that are water-based rather than fat- and oil-based.

At home, you can make soda baths and apply them to the pimple. You just need to dilute the soda with cold water and it is advisable to carry out this procedure daily.

ethnoscience

Some folk remedies have a good effect in eliminating rashes on the face:

1. You can wipe your face with aloe juice after keeping the leaves of the plant in the refrigerator. It is necessary to grind the aloe, squeeze the juice from the mixture and wipe your face with it several times a day.
2. You need to pour a tablespoon of dried calendula flowers with a glass of boiling water and leave the mixture for half an hour. The solution should be filtered, brought to room temperature and used for daily wiping of the facial skin.
3. You can speed up the breakout of a pimple using an onion application. It is recommended to apply the baked onion to the inflamed pimple, secure it with a band-aid and leave it overnight.

Not all pimples are the same, even to a layman's eye.

And experts even more so distinguish between several types of rashes.

In order to prevent harmless pimples from developing into more significant problems, it is necessary to immediately understand their type.

1. All information on the site is for informational purposes only and is NOT a guide to action!
2. Can give you an ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS only DOCTOR!
3. We kindly ask you NOT to self-medicate, but make an appointment with a specialist!
4. Health to you and your loved ones!

The choice of therapeutic interventions and their effectiveness depend on this.

Let's try to cover all types of rashes that can appear on the face and body, with their brief characteristics.

Why do they appear?

Very often, the types of acne that appear are determined by the cause of their occurrence.

It can be:

1. hormonal imbalances – in adolescence, during pregnancy, when taking medications;
2. digestive diseases – if there are disturbances in the system of processing and assimilation of food, this quickly affects the condition of the skin;
3. poor nutrition – some products can increase the likelihood of rashes;
4. poor hygiene skin;
5. influence of environmental factors – exposure of the skin to direct sunlight, cold, wind;
6. exposure to chemicals – particles of household chemicals can get on unprotected skin, causing severe irritation;
7. use of low-quality cosmetics – such products clog pores, accelerating the appearance of acne;
8. infectious diseases – often cause itchy and itchy pimples;
9. stress – disrupt hormonal levels, which leads to increased rashes.

Acne can also appear when parasites are in the human body.

After all, all processes of our life are interconnected directly or indirectly.

This means that a failure in one of the systems can ultimately lead to the formation of acne on the skin. Therefore, any rash requires careful diagnosis and identification of the cause. Without this, their treatment will not be effective.

How are they formed

Pimples form when the ducts of the sebaceous glands become blocked.

For this, one of the factors is sufficient - excess sebum production or delayed exfoliation of dead epidermal cells. Normally, enough sebum is produced to moisturize the top layer of skin and create natural protection against external factors.

Washing your face twice a day is enough to cleanse the skin of accumulated impurities.

But if dead epidermal cells do not leave the top layer of skin in time, they create compactions, lumps that mix with sebum and form plugs in the pores of the skin.

Photo: increased oily skin provokes acne formation

This also happens when the sebaceous glands are overactive.

Excess fat itself attracts various contaminants, even dust particles from the external environment.

1. As a result, the duct becomes tightly clogged again.
2. In a closed space filled with fat, bacteria begin to develop.
3. This causes the inflammatory process.
4. The body's fight against it is accompanied by the formation of pus.
5. The sebaceous duct increases in size, but there is a moment when pus overflows it and comes out.
6. An open wound remains at this site, which is susceptible to infection.
7. If this does not happen, it is delayed, and the skin is gradually restored.

That is, almost all types of acne on the face begin with clogged pores.

Then this process goes through its stages of development.

Video: “Why do acne appear on the face”

Types of acne according to inflammatory symptoms

All pimples on the face and body can belong to one of the following types:

Inflamed

They are immediately noticeable due to the red tint of the skin around the formation.

In this case, the pimple itself often has purulent contents, and when pressed, painful sensations appear. Discomfort can be felt without additional influences.

This group includes the following types of acne:

1. papules – red pimples without purulent contents. They rise above the surface of the skin in the form of small tubercles. When pressed with a finger, the papule turns pale for a while, but then returns to its color. After the papule, there are usually no traces left on the skin, with the possible exception of a temporary dark spot;
2. pustules - have a cavity inside filled with pus. Externally, it appears as a white head in the center of the elevation. It may appear immediately in a similar form or form from a papule. The danger of squeezing this type of pimple is the spread of infection or blood poisoning. After pustules, not only spots, but also scars may remain on the skin;
3. nodes - type of subcutaneous formations. In fact, these are the same pustules, only located in the deep layers of the skin. Their color can be dark red, burgundy, and bluish. They are painful even at rest. The nodes can be significant in size - up to 3 cm in diameter. Atrophic and hypertrophic scars often remain in their place, since the cavity after the release of pus is quite large;
4. cysts – these are several nodes located nearby. Under the skin they can be connected to each other by cavities - fistulas. In this case, the cyst is the most difficult to treat, and noticeable traces always remain in its place. Even the formation of keloid scars is possible.

Uninflamed

Due to the absence of an inflammatory process, such acne in itself does not pose a danger.

But they can serve as a starting point for papules and pustules, and therefore also require timely action.

These formations are called comedones.

They appear when the duct of the sebaceous gland becomes clogged with various contaminants mixed with sebum.

What types of comedones are there?

There are two varieties:

Photo: open comedones

1. open. They are otherwise called blackheads. The mass that has closed the sebaceous gland duct is located at the surface of the skin. The black color appears as a result of oxidation. The size of the comedone is small - up to 2 mm. It is quite possible to cope with this variety at home with the help of care with special cosmetics. But an inflammatory process and the formation of a pustule based on it cannot be ruled out.
2. closed. They occur if the lower part of the skin pore on the inside becomes clogged. They appear on the skin as small white bumps. Their contents cannot come to the surface naturally. But they may well become infected if there is an inflamed pimple nearby, especially when it is squeezed out. Infection can also get inside when trying to get rid of a closed comedon by squeezing. Therefore, papules and pustules often appear in place of such formations.

Photo: closed comedones

To make it easier to determine what type of rash on the face is, rely on the photo and name of the acne.

This will help you choose the right cosmetics for your daily skin care.

Classification of acne according to severity of manifestation

Acne treatment is largely determined by the severity of the rash.

Dermatologists distinguish the following stages of the disease:

Photo: mild acne

1. 1st degree – characterized by a small number of rashes (about 6 elements), most of which are comedones. The presence of single inflamed pimples or pustules located in the facial area is allowed. Treatment can be carried out independently using cosmetics. It doesn't take much time;
2. 2nd degree – characterized by moderate rashes (about a dozen), which may include comedones, papules and pustules. They can be located not only in the face area, but also on the shoulders and upper back. They can appear in children and adults. Self-treatment can be effective, but if there is no noticeable result within 2 weeks, then you should consult a doctor, otherwise the rash may progress to the next stage;

Photo: moderate rash on the face of a teenager

1. 3rd degree – a severe form of acne, which is characterized by multiple rashes (up to 40 pieces), including pimples of various types, including nodules. The main areas of rash are the face, chest and back, but the area of ​​distribution can constantly expand. Individual elements may appear on the arms and legs. At the site of severe rashes, the formation of scars, stagnant and pigment spots is possible. Treatment must be carried out by a specialist;

Photo: severe acne

1. 4th degree - the most serious and complex. Most of the rashes are pustules and nodules; the formation of cysts is possible. Rashes occupy a separate part of the body completely, but elements can also be located in other areas - on the butt, on the labia, on the legs. Acne causes pain, physical and psychological discomfort. In some cases, a life-threatening situation may arise. Treatment should be carried out exclusively by a specialist, but even in this case it will be difficult and lengthy.

Photo: nodular cystic acne

Medical classification

In medicine, another classification of acne has been adopted - depending on the age of the person who developed it.

Because there are specific rashes that appear, for example, on the face of a newborn, but subsequently never appear in this form again.

Children's

Photo: acne in a newborn

1. At birth, a child may already have rashes on his face and body. Most often these are closed comedones that form on the nose, cheeks, and chin. They are caused by the influence of maternal hormones. They do not bother the baby in any way, and parents should not worry either. They will go away on their own in 2-3 weeks.
2. But if similar or other rashes appear in older children, this is a good reason to consult a doctor.

Before adolescence, no other rashes can be considered normal.

Teenage (youthful)

When a child enters puberty, hormonal changes begin in his body, which immediately affects the condition of the skin.

Its greasiness increases, and removal of keratinized particles from the surface is difficult. All this creates favorable conditions for pore clogging.

Photo: acne on a teenager’s back

Pimples do not only form on the face, they pop up on the upper back and chest.

If the situation is typical for at least stage 2 acne, you should consult a doctor to prescribe treatment.

With the completion of hormonal changes, acne goes away.

Adults

In adults, acne on the face or body usually indicates diseases or abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs.

Photo: a rash on the face of an adult may be a sign of disease

Unless in women, rashes a few days before the start of menstruation can be considered the norm, and only if they are not profuse.

Depending on the location of the acne, the doctor can draw a conclusion about an existing health problem.

Does micellar water help with acne? Find out here.

And rashes in the genital area, for example, on the penis, can be the result of serious infections.

Other varieties

Other rashes that are not specifically listed in any classification, but are common, include:

1. acne inversa – this is a chronic form of acne, characterized by constant relapses of acne, sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the apocrine sweat glands located in the armpits or groin;

Photo: People taking steroid medications may experience rashes

1. "bodybuilder acne" - these are specific rashes characteristic of people taking steroid drugs to increase muscle mass;
2. exogenous acne – caused by external influences, for example, particles of dust or chemicals, low-quality cosmetics, direct sunlight, hot humid climate;
3. acne that appears due to mechanical stress on the skin – tight clothing, habit of touching, rubbing, scratching the skin in certain areas;
4. acne due to stress – nervous tension will change the hormonal levels of the body, as a result of which rashes appear.

Treatment

To treat acne, you should consult a dermatologist.

This is the fastest way to get rid of rashes in the shortest possible time.

Photo: to treat acne it is better to consult a specialist

The specialist understands perfectly well that a set of measures is necessary, since single medications are not able to cope with acne.

He may recommend the following methods:

1. prevention of comedones, sometimes even special products for caring for problem skin are enough for this;
2. dissolution of existing comedones, drugs based on azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and adapalene are usually used;
3. normalization of sebum production, in difficult cases, retinoids and hormonal drugs are used;
4. removal of dead epidermal cells from the skin surface, peelings are suitable both at home and in beauty salons, as well as different types of cleanings (ultrasonic, vacuum);
5. prescription of antibacterial drugs with severe inflammatory processes;
6. neutralizing the main cause of rashes (diseases of internal organs, hormonal imbalances, improper skin care).

On the face

Methods for treating acne on the face and body differ little from each other; the difference can be felt in the convenience of applying the drugs.

To treat facial acne, a comprehensive approach is more important than ever.

You should start with proper cleansing of the skin. You can use special cosmetics, but the main rule is that cleansing should not be done more than 2 times a day.

Photo: drugs for the treatment of acne

Following cleansing of the skin, drugs are used that provide the main therapeutic effect:

1. antibacterial – Zerkalin, Zenerit, Dalatsin;
2. antiseptic – Chlorhexidine, Resorcinol;
3. keratolytic and sebostatic – salicylic acid, chloramphenicol, salicylic-zinc paste;
4. anti-inflammatory – Baziron AS, Skinoren.

The doctor can prescribe either one drug, especially since many of them combine several important properties to combat acne, or a combination of them.

We must not forget about moisturizing the skin, even if it is oily.

Only creams for this purpose should be selected on a water basis, and not on a fat or oil basis.

Prevention

You should take care of your skin daily to prevent acne.

Here's what you need to pay attention to:

1. cleansing and moisturizing the skin should become a daily procedure;
2. regularly, but not too often (once a week), you need to apply peeling to remove dead particles of the epidermis;
3. careful selection of caring and decorative cosmetics, minimizing the use of foundation and powder, especially for oily skin;
4. frequent changes of bed linen and face towels - they can be sources of bacterial infection;

How to treat facial acne at home in teenagers? Find out here.

Why do acne appear on the temples? Read on.

1. a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep and minimizing stressful situations.

Whatever types of acne appear on your skin, consulting a specialist will help you figure out why they occurred and how to deal with them.

Therefore, do not hesitate to consult a doctor, because harmless rashes can develop into a more serious problem.

Video: “Malysheva on the treatment of moderate acne”