Acne blemishes fall into two categories: noninflammatory and inflammatory. Noninflammatory acne includes whiteheads and blackheads.
Whiteheads are closed pores clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, appearing as flesh or white bumps often with a white center and red halo.
Blackheads are open, widened pores filled with clogged follicles, appearing as small dark spots but not necessarily dirtier.
Inflammatory acne is more severe and includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Papules are raised, pink, tender bumps under the skin without a visible center, caused by infections or allergic reactions.
Pustules (pimples) are larger, inflamed bumps with pus-filled centers, often due to allergies or clogged pores. Nodules are hard, painful lumps deep in the skin that can cause scarring, formed when clogged pores damage underlying tissue. Cysts are infected pustules that become large, soft, painful lumps deep in the skin and often lead to severe scarring. Inflammatory acne usually requires medical treatment.
