Acne Types

ACNE TYPES

Acne is further sub-divided into 4 different categories that are important with respect to treatment and prognosis.

  • Type I

    • consists of only comedones (both open, "blackheads" or closed, "whiteheads")

    • sparse distribution of lesions

    • no residual scarring

    • best prognosis

    • most common, but may be initial presentation of a more severe form of acne

    • ACNE LESIONS PAPULES AND PUSTULES ON THE FOREHEAD

    • Acne Lesions

  • Type 2

    • consists of comedones (both open, "blackheads" or closed, "whiteheads")

    • papules present, which are raised red lesions less than 5 mm

    • moderate distribution of lesions

    • possible scarring, however minimal

  • Type 3

    • consists of comedones (both open, "blackheads" or closed, "whiteheads") and papules

    • pustules present, which are fluid-filled lesions, mainly yellow, less than 5 mm

    • lesions are distributed throughout

    • scarring is present

    • early treatment initiation is a must

  • Type 4

    • consists of comedones (both open, "blackheads" or closed,"whiteheads"), papules, pustules

    • nodules and cysts are present

    • nodules are painful solid lesions

    • cysts are large nodules

    • lesions are distributed throughout

    • severe scarring possible

    • early treatment initiation is a must