Acne or pimple is the condition in which the hair follicles get plugged with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria. There are many reasons why someone might experience a breakout on the face, one reason is excess oil production. There are many different types of acne, and here is how to understand which kind of acne you have:

Types of acne:

The 6 main types of acne are blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Here is how you can identify each type:

Blackheads:

Blackheads are formed due to clogged pores. The black spot appears because one side of the pore is open and the other is blocked. This usually happens when pores are clogged by oil and dead skin cells. 

Whiteheads:

Whiteheads are clogged pores just like blackheads except they appear white or skin-colored  due to a layer of skin covering the pore. 

Papules

These are more inflamed and appear as red bumps on the skin. These are caused when the walls of the follicles are ruptured which allows bacteria to penetrate deep into the skin.

Pustules

Acne pustules occur when the papules get infected. These have pus-filled heads and are more painful compared to papules. 

Nodules 

Nodules are painful versions of papules. While papules and pustules are on the skin, nodules have their roots much deeper. Nodules are also harder to feel and more painful to touch. 

Cysts

The pus-filled cousin of nodules is a severe form of acne. They are softer to touch due to pus but are very painful. They are filled with pus and blood and hence can lead to scarring. 

Learn more about acne at GetSupp Health Blog.