There are four types of inflammatory acne:
- Papule: the first stage of a comedo that has taken an inflammatory route. A red bump will form that is sore to the touch. This is known as your average “pimple.” A single papule can spring up spontaneously, or several can pop up at once due to stress.
- Pustule: after several days, the pustule develops as inflammation increases and pus forms near the surface. Pus forms as white blood cells stream in to attack the impaction. Be careful though to not confuse pustules with whiteheads. While some people may confuse the two due to the white spot found in the center of the lesion, they are not the same thing.
- Nodule: similar to a papule, a nodule results in a red, sore lump. However, it differs from a papule in that it is much larger in size, it’s located deeper within the skin, and it’s firm to the touch. Nodules will continue to flare up again and again if not properly drained.
- Cyst: Probably the most painful type of acne you can get, cysts can develop in one of two ways. When an intense inflammatory response takes place within a single follicle, thousands of white blood cells enter, resulting in a large pus filled lesion. On the other hand, cysts can also consist of several follicles erupting together to form a large area of inflammation.
The best thing an acne sufferer can do is to catch their acne while it is in the papule stage and begin icing it immediately. You can almost always feel when it is starting to form as it begins to itch and hurt. Icing will decrease the inflammation and will stop the white blood cells from forming.
Luckily for the acne sufferers in the Southern California region, we treat all these types of acne. The worst cases always end up clearing the most beautifully. If you live in the area and are tired of dealing with your painful, inflamed acne, hit us up and we would be happy to help you.
