6 Types of Acne and What Might Cause Them

Acne is divided into noninflammatory (less severe) and inflammatory (more severe, often needing medical help) types. Here are the six common types and their causes:

1. Whiteheads (Noninflammatory): Flesh- or whitish-colored bumps with a white center and red halo. Cause: Clogged pores from dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, sealed inside.
2. Blackheads (Noninflammatory): Dark or black spots from widened, clogged pores. Cause: Oxidation of oil and skin cells in open hair follicles.
3. Papules (Inflammatory): Red, swollen, tender bumps under the skin, no visible center. Cause: Bacterial infection in clogged pores causing inflammation.
4. Pustules (Pimples) (Inflammatory): Larger, tender bumps with yellowish pus over red skin. Cause: Infected clogged pores filling with pus.
5. Nodules (Inflammatory): Painful, hard lumps deep in the skin, risking scars. Cause: Deep tissue damage from clogged pores.
6. Cysts (Inflammatory): Large, painful, pus-filled lumps deeper than nodules, likely to scar. Cause: Infected pustules, tied to hormones, bacteria, and excess oil.