Acne is the appearance of blackheads, spots and pustules on the face, back and chest. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just teenagers who have acne. It affects 25% of all adult men and 50% of adult women at some time. No matter how severe acne is, it affects different people in different ways and many people with acne suffer from insecurities and depression.
Acne Vulgaris
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Blackheads -- are caused by partially blocked pores. The "black" appearance of them is not caused by dirt, but by the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells.
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Whiteheads -- are caused by completely blocked pores. The white appearance of them is caused by the bacteria inside the blocked pore turning the sebum to "free fatty acid".
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Papules -- are small, red, tender bumps or spots.
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Pustules -- are larger, red and inflamed pus-filled spots.
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Nodules -- are large hard bumps under the skin's surface.
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Cysts -- are similar to nodules, but can be deeply inflamed and infected.
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Acne Roseaca
Acne roseaca is similar to acne vulgaris (oily skin, spots, pustules), but people with acne roseaca also experience skin flushing and a general redness of the area. These flushes can be set off by certain foods, such as spicy food and alcohol. People with acne roseaca rarely have blackheads