Acne Conditions . . .
Cystic Acne
Sometimes referred to as nodular acne, this is a severe form of acne which involves painful, deep-seated, pus-filled cysts and nodules. Unfortunately this type of acne is usually found on the face, and even more unfortunately during the sensitive teenage years.
This is one of the most severe forms of acne and should not be treated lightly. It is also the form most likely to result in scarring, so seeking the advice of a qualified dermatologist as quickly as possible is crucial.
Treatment may consist of creams, medication and even intra-lesional corticosteroid therapy. This relatively painless procedure is applied by injecting each acne cyst with a dilute cortisone solution. The injections provide quick relief for the painful inflammations and is a most effective cystic acne treatment.
Baby acne
Sometimes called infant acne, this is always distressing to mums! However it is a very common condition and often resolves itself within a few weeks. Try to ensure you are very gentle when bathing bub and do not use over the counter creams. If the condition persists seek medical advice, do not attempt to self treat, as baby's skin is very delicate and very easily damaged.
Acne rosacea
Actually rosacea is not acne, even though it is commonly called so. Rosacea does not have blackheads or whiteheads, and although there may be some pimples amongst it, the two conditions are in fact separate.
The use of standard acne medication can in fact irritate the rosacea further and should not be used.
If you suspect you have rosacea, please seek medical advice, because acne rosacea treatment is specialised and self treatment could do more harm than good.
Back Acne
Colloquially referred to as "bacne" it can be quite difficult to treat. The skin on the back is tougher and often oilier than on other areas of the body, and back acne is prone to developing into cysts unless well treated.
The good thing is, that with the skin being tougher, it can handle some of the stronger lotions and creams.
Oh..and just a sideline - backpacks can irritate back acne due to irritation of friction when they move around and also the body heat that is trapped under them. Avoiding wearing them for long periods can make a significant difference.
Acne Vulgaris
The term actually means "common acne" and does of course describe the most common type, also called pimples. The most common types of pimples are:
Whiteheads which show up as a whitish bump, but mostly stay under the surface of the skin.
Blackheads, which come to the surface, and once the oils involved are exposed to the air, they turn black.
Papules, which are small pinkish inflamed bumps and are usually very tender to touch. They do not contain pus.
Pustules, are red and very inflamed at the base with a layer of pus at the surface.
Nodules, or cysts (usually then called cystic acne, are large, solid pimples that are lodged deep under the skin, blocked from access to the surface. They are the most likely to cause scars. They are also, by far, the most painful.
Acne Inversa
Although not contagious, this is the most horrid form of acne. It involves boils and abscesses and can be so painful and unpleasant that it will prevent its sufferer from participating in many activities. Also these lesions often "bleed" foul smelling fluids that are very unpleasant to be around. Called Hidradenitis Suppurativa it is very difficult to diagnose and very difficult to treat.
If you have a lesion seems more severe than usual, especially if it is in the groin or armpits, leeks fluid, smells very off, or perhaps goes then returns, then seek medical advice immediately and persevere with questions until you are sure of a diagnosis. Much further harm can be done through lack of diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Genital Acne
Often the genital area is more prone to sweat and irritation from clothing. This may result in genital acne. Usually extra attention with anti-bacterial treatment and ensuring the area stays as dry as possible will be effective. However as with all acne, if it persist do get medical help to ensure it is in fact only common acne. Unfortunately the genital area is oneof the most common sites for acne inversa and early diagnosis is very important.
Although there are many varied acne conditions the basic treatment is quite similar. Increasing hygiene to avoid spread of bacteria, use of anti inflammatories, and most importantly good diagnosis.
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