7 types of acne that can affect women and how to treat them

Acne is very common in adolescence, but hormones are not the only cause. A prerequisite for treating is not squeezing pimples and blackheads, in addition to talking to a professional about the problem. To clear your doubts, dermatologists Anelise Dutra (CRM/SP 130.495) and Giovanna Mori Almeida (CRM 157235) explained about the types of acne. Check out!

what is acne

Acne is an inflammatory process of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin. When they become clogged by dead cells and oil, they can produce blackheads and pimples.

types of acne

Professionals Giovanna and Anelise talked about the main types of acne that can appear at different stages of life. Check their explanations:

1. Type 1 acne – comedogenic or non-inflammatory

It is the least severe type of acne. According to dermatologists, blackheads (comedones) and papules (reddish lesions without the presence of pus) are observed. Forehead, nose and cheek are the main areas affected.

Treatment: Giovanna states that the treatment “is normally done only with topical products, that is, to apply on the face”. She also cites the importance of “sanitizing your face with soap to control oiliness and using a moisturizer for your skin type”. Anelise complements citing some acids, which can be “used alone or in combination, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid.”

2. Type 2 acne – papulopustular

In grade 2, in addition to blackheads and whiteheads, pustules are also found. According to Anelise, they are “pimples with pus and bumps on the skin that can be quite painful.” Giovanna explained that the number of lesions can vary, but “seborrhea is always present.”

Treatment: Both dermatologists mentioned that the treatment of type 2 acne is very similar to that used for type 1. Topical medications are prescribed, but, as there is the presence of pus, Giovanna added that they are “associated with the use of antibiotics, initially topical , however, when the expected improvement result is not achieved, it can be used systemically (orally).”

3. Type 3 acne – nodulocystic

In grade 3, in addition to blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and seborrhea, the presence of nodules and cysts are also observed – according to Anelise, the dreaded and painful internal pimples. Giovanna cited that these are “larger than pustules, they expand into deeper layers of the skin, can be very painful and leave scars.”

Treatment: Giovanna commented that, as it is a more serious type of acne, it is necessary to use medication that acts on the sebaceous gland. Therefore, treatment is done with “isotretinoin, adequate hygiene and sunscreen.”

4. Type 4 acne – conglobates

Considered a serious form of acne because, as Giovanna explained, it has “numerous and large purulent nodules, forming abscesses and fistulas that drain pus.” Anelise also pointed out that the lesions are very close to each other and can leave scars on the skin.

Treatment: both Anelise and Giovanna stated that isotretinoin is the most appropriate treatment, as with type 3 acne. For Giovanna, it is also important to “hygienize the skin well and use the appropriate sunscreen”. Anelise already pointed out that isotretinoin is contraindicated in cases of pregnancy.

5. Acne type 5 – fulminans

It is considered the most serious type of acne, but also the rarest. According to Giovanna, it occurs when “acne conglobata suddenly evolves with fever, joint pain, inflammatory erythema, necrosis and hemorrhage in some lesions.”

Treatment: according to Anelise, “it is necessary to start, as early as possible, the oral use of isotretinoin.” In addition, Giovanna added, the patient will also need to clean the region affected by this type of acne very well.

6. Acne medication

Acne that arises as a result of the use of certain medications. Anelise cited “contraceptives, prolonged supplementation with vitamin B, excessive use of cortisone or hormonal treatments may be responsible for this type of acne”.

Treatment: Anelise explained that this acne is a consequence of medication, so it is necessary to attack the cause. “In addition to visiting the dermatologist, it is necessary to talk to the doctor who indicated the medication, to assess the possibility of discontinuing use or changing it.”

7. Hormonal acne

Today called adult female acne, it is a type of inflammatory acne that can appear between the ages of 25 and 30. According to Anelise, “it is more common in the U-zone of the face, between the jaw, chin and neck.” Oily skin, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, stress and obesity are some risk factors for the appearance of hormonal acne. Giovanna added: “It can get worse in situations of stress, during the menstrual period, contact with fatty products, and, above all, the habit of squeezing blackheads and pimples.”

Treatment: The two dermatologists commented that hormonal acne can be treated with birth control pills. In addition, Giovanna stressed that “you need to clean your skin well, use moisturizers and products suitable for your skin type, in order to prevent excessive oiliness.”

As you can see, there are several types of acne, some being milder and some more severe. Both Anelise and Giovanna recommend not squeezing blackheads and pimples and seek treatment as soon as possible. Now, take the opportunity to also check information about oily skin.