Healthy

Types of acne: From clogged pores to cysts

49

Cysts (aka cystic acne) are inflamed bumps that run deep under the skin’s surface. The difference between cysts and nodules is that cysts generally contain pus.²

 

“Fungal acne”

Don’t let the name fool you—“fungal acne” isn’t really acne. It’s caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia.

It’s an acneiform, more accurately referred to as Malassezia or Pityrosporum folliculitis. It forms clusters of small, uniform pimples that tend to spread across a central area, like the forehead, jaw, chest, or back. “Fungal acne” can be itchy and may form pockets of white or yellow pus.³

Stages of acne

Not every clogged pore or pimple will go through the same stages.

That means not everyone with a whitehead or blackhead will experience full-blown pustular acne (thank goodness!). If you treat your skin regularly with the right stuff, like your Curology personalized prescription formula, you can potentially help prevent mild acne such as clogged pores from growing into bigger problems.

Acne severity

  • Mild acne appears as a few papules, whiteheads, and/or blackheads close to the skin’s surface.

    It’s mostly non-inflammatory.

  • Moderate acne appears as more than a few comedones, papules, and/or pustules. It’s generally more likely to be inflammatory.
  • Severe acne occurs when clogged pores result in a lot of pimples, redness, and inflammation. Large cysts or nodules (greater than 5 millimeters in size) are common.

What causes clogged pores?

Dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) mix together to clog pores.

Normally, dead skin cells slough off on their own, but when there’s too much sebum, build-up can occur that backs up the sloughing process. Acne-causing bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) also plays a role along with multiple other complex mechanisms.⁴

It’s a perfect storm of factors that could turn one little pimple into a full-blown breakout—especially if you squeeze, pinch, or pop!

Getting to know pimples

How to treat acne depends on what type of blemish you’re treating. Clogged pores without inflammation can be treated differently from full-blown cystic acne.

Here are the basics of pimple management:

  • Clogged pores without inflammation (blackheads and whiteheads). A proper skincare routine is your first defense against non-inflammatory acne, including a cleanser, treatment cream, and moisturizer. Many over-the-counter treatment options will do the trick.

    Look for ingredients that exfoliate the skin’s surface and control sebum, like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs and BHAs are available in treatment creams, gels, lotions, and facial cleansers.

  • Inflamed lesions (papules, pustules, and cysts). When pores become inflamed, prescription acne treatment is generally a better option—not only will you be working under the expert care of a dermatology provider, you’ll be using ingredients proven to fight acne.

    Prescription-strength clindamycin and tretinoin can treat and help prevent inflamed acne. And remember, the big difference between papules and pustules and cysts or nodules is size and severity. Picking, squeezing, or popping inflamed pimples may make them worse.

 

 

  • Fungal acne.

    The first step to treating “fungal acne” is to help prevent the environment that makes it thrive. Do your laundry regularly, shower after sweating, and consider adding a skincare product with zinc pyrithione to your routine. Use ingredients with antimicrobial properties that help stop the growth of acne-causing fungus and bacteria.

 

  • Pomade acne.

    Hair care products can also clog pores. Pomade is a waxy or water-based hair styling product that gives hair a shiny appearance. It’s such a common culprit of acne around the hairline that it’s referred to as pomade acne.

You can try an overnight hydrocolloid bandage in a pinch!

Source: curology.com