There are 2 categories that acne blemishes fall under.

This depends on if they cause inflammation or not.

That being said, there’s noninflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Inflammatory acne is more severe compared to noninflammatory, and most of the time, you need to consult your doctor for treatment.

We want to explain what causes the most common types of acne before you move forward with treatment.

Whiteheads

These are noninflammatory flesh or whitish-colored bumps or spots that typically have a white center surrounded by a red halo.

In some cases, hair might come out from the center or it will seem trapped inside.

Causes: Whiteheads form thanks to dirt, oil sebum, and dead skin cells clogging the pores.

These are closed within the pore.

Blackheads

Just the opposite of whiteheads, blackheads (noninflammatory) are dark or black-colored small spots that appear as raised bumps.

Usually, the skin surrounding the blackhead is normal and the center is darker.

Causes: Just because they’re darker in color doesn’t mean these blemishes have more dirt in the pore. It’s just a sign that the pores are widened and are caused by clogged hair follicles.

Papule

Papules are inflammatory acne that is located under the skin’s surface.

The skin that surrounds these blemishes is usually red and swollen.

They are raised, pink, solid, and tender.

But compared to the 2 types of noninflammatory acne, they don’t have a visible center and aren’t widened.

Causes:

• Skin infection (Molluscum contagiosum)
• The development of small blood vessels (cherry angioma)
• Warts
• Eczema
• Allergic reaction

Pustules, otherwise known as pimples

Pimples are tender, larger bumps that have a circular center.

The center is filled with yellowish/whitish pus over a red skin base.

In fact, they look a lot like larger whiteheads but inflamed.

Causes:

• Allergic reaction most commonly to food, or environmental allergens
• Insect bites (poisonous)
• When the skin gets clogged with dead skin cells and oil

Nodules

The inflamed, painful, and hard lumps that are located deep in the skin are known as nodules.

This type can become severe and may cause skin complications like scarring and dark spots.

Causes: These are considered inflammatory acne and are formed when clogged pores damage the cells and tissue deep beneath the surface of the skin.

Cysts

When pustules become infected they start to become painful.

This is when pustules become a cyst.

Cystic acne consists of white or red, painful, large, and yet soft lumps that are located deep in the skin — even deeper then nodules.

They are also filled with pus. In fact, these are considered to cause severe skin complications like scarring.

Cause: infected pustules

Do you suffer from acne? What type? What treatment has helped you?