Excess sebum leads to acne appearing on the face. Both teenagers and adults suffer from this unpleasant phenomenon. However, it is important to understand that not all of them are the same, which is why acne treatment has a different focus. This is what this article will be devoted to.

Subcutaneous (internal, painful) acne on the face

A pimple under the skin on the face not only spoils the appearance, especially for the fair sex, but also causes unpleasant painful sensations when touched. How to get rid of subcutaneous pimple on the face? Before this, you need to understand exactly the reason for its occurrence.

Causes

Subcutaneous acne is a painful formation on the skin that has various causes for its appearance. These include:

  • increased sebum secretion;
  • improper facial care, which provokes blockage of the sebaceous glands with particles of skin, dirt, and cosmetics;
  • hair follicles grow quite quickly;
  • when the ducts of the sebaceous glands become a beneficial environment for the development of bacterial microflora;
  • hormonal imbalances in the body that are associated with adolescence (adolescence), before menstruation;
  • provocateur - subcutaneous mites;
  • use of low-quality, expired cosmetics.

Symptoms

Sick acne on the face has the following symptoms:

  • when inflammation occurs under the skin, a red bump appears on the face;
  • You may not feel this formation for some time;
  • over time, when touching the tubercle, unpleasant painful sensations are noted;
  • If the pus at the site of the pimple grows, the tubercle increases in volume.

The entire process takes from 2 to 3 weeks. When the development of the pimple comes to an end, the painful sensations disappear. However, an additional white head appears in place of the tubercle.

Treatment

Internal acne on the face requires certain care and treatment. There are ways to deal with subcutaneous acne. To do this you should:

  • monitor your diet, completely or temporarily eliminating spicy, smoked and fatty foods that provoke the activity of the sebaceous glands;
  • treating an already formed pimple with antiseptics;
  • do not use cosmetics and preparations that tend to clog pores on the face;
  • visit a doctor who will prescribe treatment specifically for this type of formation;
  • at home you can use drugs that draw out pus, for example, Vishnevsky ointment, Levomekol, in the absence of contraindications, aloe leaf, salt lotions, alcohol tinctures of propolis, etc.

However, a doctor will be able to tell you more about how to remove subcutaneous acne on the face after diagnosis. And in some cases, tests may be necessary.

A selection of acne medications

Blackheads (open comedones) on the face

Comedones on the face can look like blackheads. If you pay attention, many people, regardless of gender, have such formations on their faces. The whole thing is again connected mainly with the improper functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Oil and skin cells accumulate on the surface of the papa (in the pores of the skin). It is a mistake to think that there is dirt in the pores. This color of the blockage results from the fact that sebum comes into contact with air.

Causes

What causes a “black dot” to appear on the face - there are reasons for this:

  • perhaps the use of cosmetics that clog pores, for example, based on oils;
  • polluted environment and high air humidity;
  • frequent use of soap, which dries out the skin, as well as other similar cleansers;
  • hormonal imbalances in the body;
  • improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Their most common locations are the nose, chin and forehead. Sometimes they can also be found on the cheeks

Symptoms

Oily skin is most often prone to blackheads. The first warning sign of the appearance of dark spots is the presence of enlarged pores on the face. If you don't clean them, they start to clog. They are very easy to notice on the face.

Treatment

The basic rule that will help in the treatment of black comedones is thorough and daily cleansing of the face. If unpleasant formations have already appeared on the skin, then you can try:

  • professional facial cleansing from a cosmetologist: ultrasonic, mechanical (manual), chemical (peeling);
  • home care products: facial washes, special masks, creams and ointments, scrubs, peelings, lotions and tonics, which are sold in cosmetic stores;
  • folk remedies, for example, masks made from various products (eggs, gelatin, soda, kefir, fruits;
  • medications from the pharmacy (Baziron, Dimexide, Zinerit, etc.).

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White pimples (closed comedones) on the face

Closed comedones are small pimples on the face that tend to appear more than once. They usually appear on the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and above the upper lip in large numbers and are tubercles from 1 to 2 mm (rarely up to 5 mm). Comedones of this type differ from others in that they are not externally visible in open pores.

Causes

Small white pimples, if not touched (scratched, squeezed, etc.) do not cause discomfort. But they spoil the appearance, as they make the skin of the face uneven and rough. Closed white comedones have the following causes:

  • changes in hormonal levels, for example, in adolescence, during pregnancy, with irregular sex life, the use of various medications, for example, contraceptives;
  • lack of proper skin care: irregular cleaning, use of cosmetics that are unsuitable for your skin type, etc.;
  • depression, stress, nervous breakdowns;
  • eating disorder: eating large amounts of sweet, fatty, spicy, starchy foods, etc.;
  • presence of bad habits – alcohol, smoking, drugs;
  • diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • genetic predisposition, heredity.

Symptoms

An internal pimple in the form of a closed white comedon appears painlessly. The whole cycle of its life also proceeds, but in the event that it is not squeezed out independently, combed, pierced, that is, not influenced by the wrong methods. Otherwise, whiteheads may begin to become red and inflamed.

Treatment

White pimples (closed comedones) are treated as follows:

  • use of medications - Zinerit, Skinoren, Ichthyol or Zinc ointments, salicylic acid;
  • steaming over a hot bath with various herbs followed by peeling the face with abrasive particles;
  • professional chemical or mechanical peelings, other cosmetic procedures;
  • manual or instrumental removal by a cosmetologist of already inflamed, festered white comedones;
  • various cleanings: vacuum, laser, ultrasonic, etc.

How to get rid of small pimples using traditional methods? As mentioned above, you can steam your face by adding herbs to the decoction, for example, St. John's wort, chamomile, and celandine. This way, not only will the pores open, but it will also be disinfected.

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A selection of acne medications

Acne (pimples) on the face

Facial acne plagues a large number of people. Most often, this is adolescence from 14 to 17 years for girls and boys. A large amount of inflammation appears on the face in the form of pink formations and black dots.

Causes

What causes pimples (acne) on the face - the reasons are as follows:

  • hormonal changes due to puberty;
  • improper facial skin care, which provokes inflammation;
  • hormonal imbalances in adults, for example, during treatment with medications;
  • excess skin greasiness;
  • hereditary predisposition;
  • drinking alcohol, smoking.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acne become obvious after inflammation appears on the skin, which may look like this:

  • blackheads (comedones);
  • whiteheads;
  • papules;
  • pustules (pustules);
  • nodules;
  • cysts.

Treatment

How to get rid of acne on the face? There are several methods that should definitely help. These include:

  • do not touch your face frequently so as not to further contaminate the skin;
  • do not wash your face frequently with soap;
  • wash with warm water and special cleansers in the morning and evening;
  • wash off makeup from the face well;
  • use decorative cosmetics to a minimum;
  • Do not squeeze out pimples yourself;
  • using creams and gels with benzoyl peroxide at home;
  • pimples can only be squeezed out by professionals who use special devices and tools for this;
  • undergo chemical peelings from a cosmetologist;
  • use of medications: local and oral antibiotics, various ointments, creams, lotions.

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Red pimples on the face

Adults and teenagers may develop unsightly red pimples on their faces. This is one of the most common manifestations of acne, especially in women. The papules are small in size, but cover the skin on the face abundantly.

Causes

To properly treat red pimples, you need to know the causes of their occurrence:

  • disturbances in the functioning of the stomach and the entire tract;
  • eating large amounts of fatty foods, as well as spicy, smoked and sweet foods;
  • frequent drinking of alcohol, smoking;
  • emotional states such as stress, depression, nervous disorders;
  • inappropriate skin care or lack thereof;
  • hormonal imbalances of various origins.

Symptoms

Due to excess sebum, pores begin to become clogged. This causes bacteria to multiply in this area, which causes redness on the facial skin. The appearance of acne is not accompanied by itching.

If one is observed, then this is acne - these are symptoms of another, possibly quite serious disease. To do this, you will need to go to the doctor and get tested.

Treatment

The fastest, most effective, but most expensive remedy is to visit a professional, highly qualified cosmetologist. At the same time, during inflammation on the face, you should not apply a thick layer of cosmetics, which will not allow the acne to heal quickly.

The following methods can be used:

  • the use of drying gels, creams, ointments, for example, based on zinc or salicylic acid;
  • use of clay masks;
  • lotions made from calendula decoction;
  • soda, potato lotions;
  • applying a piece of aloe to the inflammation.

If the pimple hurts very badly, then you should consult a doctor to rule out severe inflammation.

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A selection of acne medications

Purulent acne on the face

In any case, purulent acne needs treatment. This is an inflammatory disease that should not be left to chance. Purulent pimples spoil the appearance and cause discomfort for a person.

Causes

If acne on the face that has an abscess does not go away, then you definitely need to know the reasons for its appearance. These include:

  • sweat and sebaceous glands work actively, thereby clogging the pores and causing inflammation;
  • the stratum corneum on the skin of the face forms quickly, the scales do not have time to die off and clog the pores;
  • taking antibiotics that cause malfunction of the body;
  • gastrointestinal diseases;
  • bad habits;
  • poor nutrition;
  • poor skin care, use of low-quality cosmetics;
  • stressful conditions;
  • avitaminosis.

Symptoms

As soon as bacteria enter the clogged pores, they begin to multiply and cause inflammation, which manifests itself in the appearance of a purulent pimple on the surface of the skin. Touching him is painful and unpleasant.

Treatment

Many people are interested in how to remove acne inflammation on the face. This will require a trip to the pharmacy. The most inexpensive remedy that draws out pus is Vishnevsky ointment. Various ointments will relieve inflammation and dry out the pimple:

  • zinc;
  • salicylic;
  • synthomycin;
  • ichthyol, etc.

At home, you can make peeling from lemon juice, sugar and kefir. And for washing you can use tar soap.

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Small pimples on the face

Small pimples on the face can have different external manifestations:

  • white formations (milia, comedones);
  • red pimples or papules, which can be inflamed or non-inflamed.

Causes

The appearance of small acne on the face is caused by various disorders in the functioning of the human body:

Small pimples appear on the face quite suddenly and their number is not single. The forehead is most often affected, as well as the cheeks and chin. As mentioned above, pimples can be white or red, painful or painless

Treatment

You can contact a dermatologist or cosmetologist who will prescribe medications, select the right care, and carry out the necessary procedures, for example, facial cleansing (chemical, ultrasound, etc.).

For a complete picture, you can contact an allergist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist and endocrinologist.

External manifestations are treated with pharmaceutical ointments that relieve inflammation and dry out. At home, you can take steam baths, wipe the skin with aloe and calendula tincture.

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A selection of acne medications

Large pimples on the face

A large pimple on the face is an unpleasant and painful phenomenon. It is very important to know the causes of their occurrence in order to choose the right treatment.

Causes

There are the following reasons:

  • severe blockage of pores;
  • hypothermia;
  • severe squeezing of the skin when blood begins to flow poorly;
  • occurrence due to allergies;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • overdried skin.

Symptoms

Most often, acne is subcutaneous and painful. They climb singly and do not spill out all over your face. At first, slight redness occurs, and then severe inflammation develops over 2-5 days. A visit to a doctor is recommended to determine the correct treatment.

Treatment

A doctor can help you get rid of internal acne. Self-medication may not lead to the desired result. Antibiotics are the most popular prescribed drug.

Self-removal of large pimples is prohibited, as it can cause additional inflammation. It can only be removed through professional surgery.

The use of vitamins, being in the fresh air, and proper skin care are recommended.

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Milia (milia) on the face

Milia on the face occur due to blockage of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles by skin particles. Millet looks sloppy and spoils the appearance of spring. However, there is no inflammatory process. The size of the formations is from 2 to 3 mm. Millet on the face is localized in the following areas: cheeks, eyes, temples. They rarely appear on the nose.

Causes

The provoking factors of millet are:

  • using cosmetics that clog pores every day;
  • sebum, which is secreted in excess;
  • improper functioning of the liver and gastrointestinal tract;
  • frequent visits to the solarium and excessive sun exposure;
  • puberty (hormonal changes);
  • alcohol, smoking and other bad habits;
  • poor facial skin care.

Treatment

There are remedies for white pimples on the face. However, removing milia yourself by squeezing is prohibited!

The following treatment methods are used:

  • mechanical removal by professionals;
  • hardware procedures from a cosmetologist;
  • the use of traditional medicine recipes, mainly masks.

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Inflamed acne on the face

This type of acne looks like redness with a tubercle that has an abscess inside.

Causes

Bacteria and microbes that feed on subcutaneous fat cause inflammation on the facial skin. Most often, these are staphylococcus bacteria, which are found in very small quantities in the body of every person. However, under certain conditions they reproduce in greater numbers.

Symptoms

On human skin they can appear as papules (“nodules”) and pustules.

Treatment

Depending on the type, papules and pustules are treated slightly differently. Iodine can be applied pointwise to papules up to three times a day. You can also choose pharmaceutical drugs: Baziron, Zinerit, Differin, etc.).

Pustules are treated in a similar way until they reach a more severe stage. If this happens, then after the tests the doctor prescribes medications to be taken orally in the form of tablets.

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Cold pimples on the face

With colds, painful acne may appear on the skin on the face. A distinctive feature is that they appear against the background of the disease during the cold season. They are quite painful, large and take a long time to mature.

Causes

Subcutaneous acne of this type has its own causes. They are:

  • ARVI, acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, influenza, sore throat and other colds;
  • vitamin deficiency, when the body lacks useful and nutritious substances;
  • external factors in the form of drafts, cold indoors, air conditioning.

Symptoms

They appear more often on the forehead, chin, lips and nose. Appears in the form of a tubercle with redness. When you touch it, you feel tightness and pain.

Treatment

If cold acne appears, then you need to do the following:

  • treat the surface of the pimple with antiseptic agents;
  • use Vishnevsky’s ointment, which draws out pus, etc.;
  • apply ichthyol ointment;
  • Levomekol, Syntomycin ointment, Baziron AS will help well.

Steaming, squeezing, or applying wet compresses is prohibited.

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Pimples on the face before menstruation

Before menstruation, acne on the face is a common occurrence for women and girls, especially in adolescence. However, this phenomenon can also haunt adult women.

Causes

Why do acne appear before menstruation? Red pimples before menstruation occur for the following reasons:

  • natural physiological processes that inevitably occur in a woman’s body - hormonal changes;
  • active secretion of sebum during this period, when the sebaceous glands become blocked.

Symptoms

In the few days before menstruation, redness and rashes appear on the skin.

Treatment

If this phenomenon occurs constantly, then girls and women should use the most reliable method of treatment - this is prevention in the form of constant facial skin care with various cosmetics (gels, scrubs, lotions, masks) and folk methods (rubbing with a decoction of herbs, masks from various products and etc.).

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Hormonal acne on the face

Hormonal acne occurs in adolescents, young adults, and adults. They are inflammatory in nature and require correct diagnosis for proper treatment.

Causes

They can occur due to external factors (exogenous acne), as well as due to improper functioning of the body (endogenous). Common reasons are:

  • hormonal surges against the background of future periods;
  • additional intake of hormonal drugs;
  • poor nutrition, including on the eve of menstruation;
  • depressed state of the immune system;
  • heredity.

Symptoms

Inflammations occur only before menstruation, while taking medications, and are cured quite quickly after their cause is eliminated.

Treatment

The doctor may prescribe various medications orally, as well as various ointments and creams externally.

Establishing nutrition and caring for your facial skin with properly selected cosmetics will also help. Good sleep, an established daily routine, and giving up bad habits and low-quality cosmetics are also important.

Dry acne on the face

Dry pimples do not contain purulent formation inside. They can be easily removed from the surface of the facial skin. However, treatment must still take place.

Causes

Too dry skin, like oily skin, is also prone to acne. This happens due to the blockage of pores with dead particles of the epidermis. In addition, dry pimples appear for the following reasons:

  • allergies due to consumption of certain foods;
  • stressful and other strong emotional states;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • problems in the field of endocrinology;
  • gynecological diseases;
  • gastrointestinal diseases.

Symptoms

A doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. The formations on the face are hard, but completely painless. In appearance, they are not clearly visible on the face, but still require treatment. They appear more often on the forehead.

Treatment

First, you should choose the right cosmetics and care products - masks, scrubs, peelings with a non-greasy consistency. The main thing is to apply them with clean hands and eliminate the allergic component in their composition.

Nutrition matters too. It is worth excluding sweet, spicy and fatty drinks, as well as carbonated drinks.

Among the folk remedies, masks made from chamomile with cottage cheese, milk and honey, with linseed oil, etc. work well.

Allergic acne on the face

Allergic acne is not only an inflammatory phenomenon that makes the appearance unattractive, but the redness is itchy and itchy.

Causes

The main reason is the entry of an allergen into the body. The factors are:

  • stressful conditions;
  • external irritants, for example, animal fur, pollen, etc.;
  • allergies due to taking pills and other medications;
  • reaction to the sun;
  • insect bites;
  • allergic reaction to food;
  • reaction to cosmetics;
  • heredity.

Symptoms

Papules, pustules and blisters may form on the skin. They can be diagnosed as allergic based on accompanying factors:

  • the appearance of swelling on the skin;
  • difficulty breathing and sneezing;
  • the appearance of lacrimation;
  • frequent sneezing;
  • there is a burning sensation of the skin, itching and peeling, etc.

Treatment

Allergies are treated with medicinal antihistamines. Severe cases may require antibiotics. Various ointments, creams and lotions selected by a medical professional are used externally.

Watery pimples on the face

Watery formations are also a type of acne on the face. They may appear as small bubbles or as blisters. They are a tubercle that seems to have no cavity inside and is filled with liquid. The pain manifests itself individually.

Causes

They appear for a variety of reasons:

  • insect bites;
  • contact dermatitis;
  • hormonal imbalances;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • allergies of various origins.

Symptoms

First, the skin appears red to bright red. After 1-2 days, a watery blister appears in its place. If you have an allergy, the blisters may be pink in color with the appearance of a dome within a few hours.

Treatment

For treatment you can use:

  • pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen-based medications;
  • external treatment with brilliant green;
  • taking allergy medications;
  • wipe externally with cooling gels and lotions to relieve itching.

Acne during menopause on the face

As you know, menopause begins in fairly mature women, who may be surprised to notice that acne appears on their face, like in teenagers.

Causes

The reason for their appearance is hormonal changes in the body. Mature women, unlike teenagers, have much thinner and drier skin. Therefore, acne takes much longer to cure and using slightly different methods.

Acne can be triggered by stress, dehydration, dysbiosis, poor nutrition, exacerbation of chronic diseases, and improper skin care.

Symptoms

The wings, cheeks, forehead and nose are most often affected by the appearance of small rashes on the face. They may flake, itch, and itch.

Treatment

How to treat acne on a woman’s face during menopause? First, you need to visit specialists: a gynecologist, gastroenterologist and dermatologist. You'll have to get tested. Hormonal and non-hormonal drugs for oral administration may be prescribed. Proper external care for aging skin is also necessary.

Acne on the face after ovulation

Many representatives of the fair sex notice that during the period of ovulation, acne often appears locally or extensively. In some cases, they do not have serious health consequences.

Causes

Even careful skin care cannot 100% protect against the appearance of acne after ovulation. The reason lies in the characteristics of the female body, namely, monthly hormonal changes before menstruation. Hormones are to blame - estrogen and progesterone.

Symptoms

Red bumps appear most often on the cheeks, forehead and chin. It is better to visit a gynecologist and dermatologist, who will accurately diagnose the cause of rashes on the face and associate them with ovulation.

Treatment

The following disposal methods are used:

  • pills that normalize hormonal levels;
  • special plasters;
  • in severe cases, injections are prescribed;
  • External skin care products (cosmetic, folk) are also used.

Bloody pimples on the face

Bloody acne requires special diagnosis and treatment methods. Formations on the skin can be burgundy, bluish and even black. This color occurs when the blood vessels inside the pimple expand, making it appear as if the inside is filled with blood. And if you squeeze it out (which is prohibited), then blood will come out from the burst vessels.

Causes

The causes of this type of acne are:

  • hormonal changes in the body of adolescents;
  • improper functioning of the sebaceous glands;
  • liver dysfunction;
  • poor personal hygiene;
  • excess body weight;
  • poor nutrition;
  • drinking alcohol, smoking, taking drugs.

However, only a doctor can determine the exact cause of bloody acne, so visiting him is mandatory.

Treatment

Ozone therapy, ultrasonic facial cleansing, chemical and laser facial peels are used.

Pharmacy medications are also prescribed, for example, Zinerit, Klindevit, as well as ichthyol, heparin, and zinc ointments.

The skin can be pre-treated with drying lotions or hydrogen peroxide.

If blood pimples occur against the background of diseases, then this cause must also be treated.

Non-healing acne on the face

There are pimples on the face that, due to various reasons, do not heal for a long time. They not only spoil the appearance, but also create additional discomfort and become painful. This usually concerns purulent acne and severe inflammation of the skin.

Causes

Why acne does not go away - the reasons are:

  • disruption of the immune system;
  • serious hormonal imbalances;
  • constant malnutrition, consumption of low-quality foods;
  • gastrointestinal diseases;
  • “female” diseases in the field of gynecology;
  • seasonal vitamin deficiency;
  • chronic fatigue;
  • poor-quality treatment of acne by a cosmetologist or at home, constant squeezing;
  • reaction to heat and heavy sweating.

Symptoms

Their appearance is quite unattractive. They don't go away for quite some time.

Treatment

How to cleanse your facial skin from acne that does not heal for a very long time? You can use the following tips:

  • initially consult a dermatologist, who can refer you to other specialists - gynecologist, immunologist, gastroenterologist, etc.;
  • taking medications orally as prescribed by a medical professional;
  • external proper care with cosmetics at home (creams, ointments, lotions, tonics, masks, etc.);
  • the use of folk remedies using calendula, chamomile, aloe;
  • visiting the procedures of a professional cosmetologist (cleaning, peeling).

As you can see, removing comedones, treating acne, and getting rid of other types of acne can be done using various methods. Most often, internal effects on the body are required, as well as the use of external means of therapy and care. The most important and important thing is to identify the true cause of skin rashes and neoplasms.

Many people believe that blackheads and pimples are just synonyms, but this is not entirely true. People suffer from acne mainly during adolescence; at this time, thriving comedones can most often be seen on the skin. This happens due to raging testosterone. But pimples, compared to acne, can occur for a variety of reasons, and at any age.

Difference between pimples and blackheads

A pimple is an inflamed skin formation, and an acne is a black dot located on the surface of the skin. Initially, acne always appears in the form of blackheads, but if no measures are taken, they develop into pimples.

When teenagers begin to turn into men or women, testosterone begins to rage in their body, and it provokes the formation of cutaneous comedones. For this reason, acne occurs, which looks like small black dots that penetrate deep under the skin.


When all organs are functioning properly, they are hardly noticeable, but if a malfunction occurs in one of them, acne becomes inflamed, reddens, causes discomfort and can later develop into acne.

The difference between pimples and blackheads is minor, since the process of acne formation is caused by clogging of pores. Acne owes its inflammatory manifestation, which subsequently provokes the growth of pustules.

What are acne

Acne is divided into two types depending on its condition:
  • Comedones. Black dots that stand out clearly on the skin. If the functioning of one of the organs is out of control, they can become inflamed, red and painful. If acne is scratched or squeezed, it can also become inflamed.
  • Zhiroviki. Due to excessive accumulation of fat, the sebaceous glands become clogged, which provokes an inflammatory process in the hair follicles. Then a white formation appears in these places, and its halo has a red or pink tint.
Sebum (sebum) is needed to moisturize and protect the skin from bacteria. If there is not too much fat, then it is washed off with clean water while washing. But when its amount on the skin goes off scale, the exfoliation process is somewhat delayed and mixes with the scales. Sebum is capable of forming a kind of shell on the surface of the epidermis. The next portion of fat is imprisoned, stagnates in the pores, and as a result, a traffic jam occurs. Under the influence of oxygen, it oxidizes, and it turns into a blackhead - a blackhead.



Cork is an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms that feed on its contents. After a short time, blackheads turn into pimples.

The worst situation is for those teenagers who have oily skin. Nature has decreed that a group of such people have an increased number of sebaceous glands, and their pores are more enlarged. Those with normal or dry skin are also susceptible to the appearance of blackheads, but in such people they are observed only on:

  • wings of the nose;
  • chin;
Acne can also appear for other, more serious reasons:
  • impaired renal function;
  • pathologies of the digestive tract;
  • stressful situations;
  • diseases of the genitourinary system.
Therefore, acne can occur in people of any age.

What are acne

In medical terms, there is no such word as “acne.” Any skin formation has its own name:
  • comedo;
  • papules;
  • pustules;
  • furuncle;
  • abscess;
  • wen;
  • acne.
Many people call any bump on the skin a pimple, since it is impossible to determine by looking what the nature of a particular formation is. It is important to understand that not all stages of acne can be called acne. They have their own distinctive appearance, and different processes occur in each of them, so they are treated differently.



Acne is a pathology of the skin, which is accompanied by inflammation of the sebaceous glands. They can be divided into several categories:
  • Carbuncles. A formation that has a convex shape, redness with a blue tint, located in various places on the skin.
  • Furuncle. Inflammation of the hair follicle with pus in the layers of the epidermis.
  • Prosyanka. A nodular formation located deep under the skin in the layers of the epidermis.
Acne can also occur due to poor heredity and if a person has oily skin. In addition, there are other factors that increase the likelihood of acne:
  • stressful situations;
  • hormonal imbalances;
  • allergic reactions;
  • critical days;
  • taking certain medications;
  • taking oral contraceptives;
  • industrial pollution.
Clean skin is the key to excellent health and beauty, but the presence of any formations on the skin spoils the appearance and also causes discomfort. Each person must distinguish between blackheads and pimples in order to be able to effectively get rid of them.

Inflammatory rashes on the surface of the skin are most often called pimples or acne. The difference between these concepts is blurred, because they are, in fact, the same pathological process - damage to the sebaceous glands.

Pimples and blackheads

Acne on the skin is a pathological focus in the sebaceous glands of the skin, which is prone to inflammation.

Such a formation may look simply like a black dot, sometimes almost invisible to the eye. However, in response to any change in the body, acne can become inflamed, red and fester. This process is accompanied by painful sensations, resulting in the formation of a pustular capsule on the skin - a pustule. Active inflammation can be triggered by damage (for example, self-squeezing) and infection, decreased immunity, all sorts of health problems and hormonal disorders.

Inflamed, red, and painful areas on the skin are most often referred to as pimples. But what is the difference between pimples and blackheads?

Acne may look like:

  • Comedonov. These are classic blackheads that can be seen with the naked eye.
  • Wen - small bumps under the skin.
  • Papules or pustules (with the addition of an inflammatory process).

Dermatologists do not use the term "acne" in their practice. Each skin formation has its own medical name. In particular, pimples can be comedones, papules, pustules, boils, ulcers, wen, and acne.

Acne and pimples

Acne is a collective term. This word is used by dermatologists to refer to acne, all inflammatory diseases of the sebaceous glands. Quite often, the term “acne” is used in the same lexical meaning as pimples, blackheads and comedones.

Thus, you can easily answer the question of how acne differs from pimples, blackheads and acne. The word “pimple” itself is rather popular. And it is used mainly to designate one of the stages of acne.

This disease usually has a certain sequence of development:

  • At first, a few comedones – blackheads – appear on the skin. Most often they form in the so-called T-zone of the face - on the forehead, nose and chin. But they can also occur in any other parts of the body. They are essentially a plug and are formed when the mouth of the hair follicle is suddenly blocked by an accumulation of horny masses (particles of the skin epithelium combined with sebum). At first, the sebaceous plug looks like a white or transparent liquid, but over time it hardens and forms a lump inside the pore (it can be white or yellow). Only in open pores does oxidation of accumulated sebum occur, and it is this process that colors it in its characteristic black color.
  • At the same time, wen forms on the skin. This is the name given to white formations that protrude somewhat above the skin surface. They are formed when sebum has accumulated in the lower parts of the pore (deep enough under the skin) and is not able to come to the surface. Sometimes wen are invisible to the eye, but are felt when palpated, like small millet-like tubercles.
  • When an inflammatory process occurs, papules form on the skin - small elevations above the surface, which may be slightly reddened, but do not have purulent contents. And they are often called pimples. The papule looks like a dense nodule on the skin and is pink, bright red or bluish-purple in color. The skin around it looks a little swollen and may change its color somewhat to a redder color. Unlike pustules, papules do not have a white head on the surface.

  • In the absence of timely correction, the symptoms already described may be complicated by an acute inflammatory process. As a result, the skin becomes covered with pustules, inside of which purulent contents form. Their size can range from one millimeter to a centimeter. A white head forms on the surface of the pustule, and the surrounding skin appears red and inflamed. After some time, the accumulated pus seems to melt the epidermis and burst out. As a result, there is a gradual resorption of inflammation and swelling in the problem area. If the size of the pustule on the skin is significant, after the abscess has healed, a scar may form.
  • Further progression of acne causes discomfort and pain, the skin becomes covered with rashes, touching them increases the severity of painful sensations. The papules open up and merge with each other. Pores become especially enlarged and covered with comedones.

When faced with the appearance of blackheads, blackheads and pimples on the skin, it is better not to think about their differences. In the absence of adequate treatment, acne can greatly disturb the appearance and even lead to dangerous complications.

Therefore, it is worth contacting a qualified dermatologist and cosmetologist, find out what is the cause of the problem and take a closer look at your health. A specialist will be able to give complete information about the difference between pimples and blackheads and suggest effective methods to combat them.

Clean facial skin has always been an indicator of a person’s health and attractiveness. But unfortunately, the appearance is spoiled by various rashes, pimples and blackheads. Especially such uninvited guests spoil the lives of teenage boys and girls who are trying with all their might to cope with such a problem. But due to a lack of knowledge about how blackheads differ from pimples and how to get rid of them, they do it incorrectly, which causes even more breakouts.

Venereologist, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Therapist

Despite the fact that many people confuse the concepts of acne and pimples, there is still a difference between them. Pimples are small inflamed bumps on the skin. Blackheads are small blackheads that are barely noticeable on the skin. They come in two types: white, so-called wen, and black, comedones. Blackheads are clear at first, but then when exposed to oxygen they oxidize and turn black. Wen usually becomes inflamed in the deep layers of the skin and looks like nodules. Due to blockage of the hair follicle, keratinized skin scales and sebum clog the ducts appear. The main thing that distinguishes blackheads from pimples is that the former are just black dots, and pimples are inflamed formations. Acne appears initially. If left untreated, acne will appear.

Drugs

There are many products available for antibiotics. They must be used for a long time until the acne or pimples disappear. However, before you start using medications, you should try to remove irritating factors. Pimples and acne can appear due to the use of low-quality cosmetics, alcohol-containing lotions, or due to a malfunction of the endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, or too much consumption of sweets, flour and fatty foods. My patients took advantage of the doctor’s advice, thanks to which they can get rid of problems in 2 weeks without much effort.

  1. Alibura (liquid). Used as a compress to relieve inflammation.
  2. Lotion Zenerit. Has an antimicrobial effect.
  3. Tretinoin (lotion or cream). Dissolves sebaceous plugs and reduces cell clumping.
  4. Benzoyl peroxide gel. Disinfects.
  5. Salicylic ointment has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.
  6. Azelaic acid in the form of a gel or cream. Suppresses the growth of microflora and normalizes keratinization processes.

If local medications for acne and acne do not have the desired effect and the suppuration is very pronounced, antibiotic tablets or capsules may be prescribed. In general, preference is given to drugs such as erythromycin, clindamycin, doxycycline, which tend to accumulate in the sebaceous glands.

Acne treatment

The following procedures are used to get rid of acne and pimples:

  • ozone therapy - oxygen saturation of the skin,
  • phototherapy – light flashes enhance metabolic processes,
  • cryomassage – treatment of the skin with liquid nitrogen provides an antibacterial effect, reduces sebum secretion and inflammation,
  • mesotherapy – the introduction of a complex of drugs with a restorative effect (microinjections).

Treatment with celandine and other herbs

Traditional medicine also offers many recipes to combat skin rashes. Herbs for acne and acne help relieve inflammation and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

This can be rubbing the skin with a decoction of celandine, plantain juice, a decoction of St. John's wort, or an infusion of wormwood. Infusions of dandelion root, nettle, and birch buds can be used internally.

For acne, the herb St. John's wort infused with alcohol will perfectly relieve irritation. Also, for enlarged pores and acne, it is useful to wipe the skin with alcohol lotions made from hops and wormwood. To do this, you need to brew a tablespoon of any of these herbs with a glass of boiling water. Cool, strain, pour in an equal amount of alcohol, add a tablespoon of natural apple cider vinegar.

Celandine for acne and acne has been used in medicine for quite some time. It is used in the form of infusions, lotions, masks, compresses. This plant contains substances that actively fight skin inflammation, while others additionally care for it. Acne will not have any chance if you use this herb. You just need to know how to use it, because celandine is a poisonous plant.

Do not use for open wounds, eczema and dermatitis, individual intolerance, vascular diseases. There are many recipes with the herb celandine, and if you follow all the rules for its use, you can quickly and efficiently get rid of pimples and blackheads.


» Hyperkeratosis and acne
» Comedogenic cosmetics and acne
» Subcutaneous demodex mite
» Propionibacterium acnes and Propionibacterium granulosum
» Irritated skin and acne
» Heredity and acne
» Nutrition and acne
» Medicines and acne
» Steroids and acne

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How to deal with acne (acne, blackheads, comedones)

Types of acne (acne, blackheads, comedones)

First, let's look at the definition of pimples (acne, blackheads, comedones)

Acne (Latin acne, distorted Greek akmē top)- a collective designation for inflammatory diseases of the sebaceous glands, most often the term is applied to acne and pimples.

Acne - acne, pimple-like bumps, skin rashes. In medical literature, acne is often referred to simply as “acne” or “acne vulgaris.” However, these terms are not equivalent. Acne is a particular manifestation of acne, characterized by inflammation of the sebaceous glands.

Pimples - acne, blackheads, small inflamed bumps on the skin. Pimples are a particular manifestation of acne, characterized by inflammation of the sebaceous glands.

Comedo (novolat. acne comedonica) - a type of plug formed when the mouth of the hair follicle is blocked by horny masses (dropped epithelium mixed with thick lard). When comedones become inflamed, pimples (acne, blackheads) appear.

What types of acne (acne, blackheads, comedones) exist?

Due to the fact that acne is a very multifaceted disease due to the reasons for its occurrence, the mechanism of development, and the individual characteristics of the skin, there is no single and comprehensive classification of acne. Below are several classifications, the study of which together makes it possible to correctly diagnose and choose the optimal treatment tactics.

1. Classification according to the inflammatory nature of acne (acne, blackheads, comedones)

Comedones occur when the ducts of the sebaceous glands or the mouth of the hair follicles become clogged with plugs.

Such plugs consist of excess thick sebum mixed with keratinized scales of dead skin cells.

If such a gland gets infected, a papule (nodule) or pustule (abscess) develops.

After some time, the pus “melts” the epidermis and comes out.

The inflammatory infiltrate of leukocytes surrounding the pimple resolves.

If the abscess was large, a scar may remain after it heals.

1.1 Non-inflammatory manifestations of acne (acne/blackheads/comedones)

1.1.a Blackheads (blackheads, open comedones)

If a congestion forms at the top of the pore, open comedones form. In appearance, the sebaceous plug first resembles a slightly white or transparent liquid, then the sebum begins to harden and a dense white or yellow lump forms in the pore.

If the pore has been opened, then under the influence of oxygen the sebum begins to oxidize and acquires a characteristic black head - black dots (the dark color of the plug is given by melanin - a product of tyrosine oxidation).

1.1.b Whiteheads (wen, whiteheads, closed comedones, microcysts, milia/milia)

If a blockage forms in the lower part of the pore, deep under the skin, the ducts of the sebaceous glands expand from excess sebum and a so-called wen is formed - an accumulation of sebum, cyst-shaped blood clots that do not have access to the surface of the skin.

Closed comedones can rise above the surface of the skin, or can be tactilely felt during palpation in the form of small millet-like tubercles. They are best visible when the skin is stretched. On the surface of the skin they often appear as white nodules of varying sizes. Nodules the size of a millet grain are called miliums (milium - from Latin “millet grain”) or in common parlance “millet grains”.

1.2 Inflammatory manifestations of acne (acne/blackheads/comedones)

If an infection gets into the comedone, inflammation occurs.

Then the comedone turns into a papule (nodule) or pustule (abscess).

Let's see how they differ.

1.2.a Papule (nodule)


Papule (nodule) is a sharply demarcated, dense, cavity-free formation, usually slightly raised above the surface of the skin, with a diameter of 1 mm to 3 cm.

According to the Western classification, papules with a diameter of more than 1 cm are called nodes.

Papules (one of the types of inflammatory acne) look like dense red nodules that resemble small balls on the surface of the skin. Redness is accompanied by suppuration and swelling of the adjacent skin.

Depending on the type of papule, the color varies from pink to bright red or bluish-purple. If you press on the papule, it changes its color to a paler color. Unlike a pustule, we do not see a white inflamed head in a papule.

More often, papules are formed from closed comedones. If a papule has formed at the site of an open comedon, an expanded mouth of the hair follicle with a dark-colored plug can be seen on its surface.

1.2.b Pustule (pustule)

Pustule (pustule)- a cavitary acute inflammatory element with purulent contents, resulting from a purulent process in the epidermis or dermis.

Pustules form both independently (primarily) and secondarily from papules if opportunistic or pathogenic microflora begins to develop in the papule.

The sizes of pustules vary from 1 to 10 mm. The shape is hemispherical, cone-shaped or flat.

The contents of the pustules are purulent - on the surface we see a loose white head (which sometimes bursts), and along the edges of the ball there are red inflamed areas of skin.

The color of the purulent content may be white, grayish, yellow or have a greenish tint.

The presence of a yellow or greenish tint indicates the addition of a secondary infection.

When the walls of the vessel are destroyed as a result of the inflammatory process, the contents mix with blood.

1.3 Dermatoses with acneiform acne

rosacea, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, skin tuberculosis, small nodular sarcoidosis of the face, drug rash.

For acneiform rashes, the primary inflammation is the pilosebaceous follicle. When diagnosing, they should be distinguished from acne.

2. Clinical classification proposed by Plewig and Kligman

  • 1. Acne juveniles

    Juvenile or vulgar acne (acne juveniles) - occurs in a third of adolescents aged 12 to 16 years. According to statistics, girls suffer from acne more often than boys. In 75% of cases, juvenile acne is localized on the face, in 16% - on the face and back. For the vast majority of teenagers, acne disappears by the age of 18-20. However, sometimes acne lasts a long time and occurs in 3% of men and 5% of women aged 40-50 and even 60 years (“physiological acne”). This variety refers to the manifestations of adult acne (acne adultorum).

    1. Comedones (Acne comedonica)

      Comedones (acne comedonica) are formed as a result of blockage of hair follicles by an accumulation of horny scales and sebum. Mild comedones in the absence of an inflammatory component are considered a variant of the physiological norm. The initial manifestation of acne is microcomedones, which do not manifest themselves clinically. Inflammation of open comedones occurs much less frequently than open comedones - white, dense, non-inflamed nodules with a diameter of about 2 mm, covered with skin and without an open exit to the surface. Inflammation is not expressed in them, but there are favorable conditions for its further development. Further accumulation of sebum in them leads to an increase in nodules and possible inflammation.

    2. Papulopustular acne (Acne papulopustolosa)

      Papulopustular acne (acne papulopustulosa) is characterized by the addition of an inflammatory process to closed or open comedones. This form of acne is characterized by the formation of inflammatory elements - papules (nodules) and pustules (pustules). The outcome of papulopustular acne depends on the depth of damage to the skin layers. The mild form usually heals without a trace; when the deep layers of the dermis are involved in the inflammatory process and its structure is damaged, the inflammatory elements heal with the formation of a scar defect.

      Comedones and papulopustular acne are the most common forms of acne. Other types of acne are quite rare in clinical practice, are characterized by a more severe course and require different treatment tactics.

    3. Nodular cystic acne (Acne nodulocystica)

      The nodular cystic form of acne (acne nodulocystica) is characterized by the formation of purulent cystic cavities and infiltrates deep in the dermis, their tendency to merge and form inflammatory conglomerates. With reverse development, such elements always heal with the formation of scars. This form of acne usually lasts a long time (several years), even with a moderate degree of the process.

    4. Acne fulminans

      The rarest form of acne in terms of occurrence and the most severe in terms of clinical manifestations is acne fulminans. It usually develops in adolescents aged 13-18 years, mainly in young men with papulopustular or nodular cystic acne. On the skin of the trunk and upper extremities, areas of erythema with pustules and then ulcers form. There are often no rashes on the face. Subsequently, numerous scars, including keloids, form at the site of the rash.

      The reasons for the development of the fulminant form are not fully understood. It is likely that toxic-allergic and infectious-allergic mechanisms play a role here. Typically, acne fulminans develops in patients suffering from severe damage to the digestive system (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc.), or after taking certain medications: tetracyclines, androgens, synthetic retinoids.

      The fulminant form is characterized by a sudden, sharp onset and rapid development of the disease. General symptoms and phenomena of intoxication come to the fore: malaise, a rise in body temperature above 38°C, fever, pain in the joints and muscles, in the abdomen, anorexia, a sharp deterioration in health. Sometimes changes develop in organs and tissues: softening of bones, enlargement of the liver and spleen. In the blood there is an increased content of leukocytes, a decrease in hemoglobin levels and an acceleration of ESR, bacteriological blood culture is negative. Inflamed ulcerative-necrotic areas appear on the face and torso.

  • 2. Adult acne (Acne adultorum)

    If acne persists until the patient reaches adulthood or appears for the first time in adults, then it is classified as a manifestation of acne adultorum or adult acne. They occur in 3-5% of men and women aged 40 to 50 years and older. In some cases, their late resumption is noted years after the resolution of juvenile acne.

    1. Late acne (Acne tarda)

      This form is diagnosed if the rash that began in adolescence does not resolve until age 25. This form of acne is more often observed in women in the second half of the menstrual cycle and requires additional consultation with a gynecologist. In 20% of cases, adult women complain of the appearance of rashes a few days before the start of menstruation and the spontaneous disappearance of acne with the beginning of a new cycle.

      Often late acne is constantly present. Typically these are papular, papulopustular or nodular cystic acne, often in the chin area. The cause of late acne is often polycystic ovary syndrome, complicated by hirsutism and anovulatory menstrual cycle. It is also necessary to exclude tumor lesions of the ovaries and adrenal glands.

    2. Inverse acne (Aacne inversa, Hidradenitis suppurativa)

      In this case, the apocrine or large sweat glands of the armpits, perineal area, pubis, navel and other sweat glands are secondarily involved in the inflammatory process. It is manifested by the appearance of large, bumpy, painful nodes that abscission and open with the release of purulent or purulent-bloody contents. Often individual elements, merging, lead to an increase in the affected area.

      Inverse acne has a chronic course with frequent relapses and spreading lesions. They take a long time to heal; after resolution, in severe cases, retracted scars and fistulas form. Increased body weight, injury to the corresponding areas by scratching or tight clothing predispose to their development.

    3. Bodybuilding acne

      This form can also be called steroid acne. It is associated with the intake of steroid hormones: anabolic steroids, androgens, glucocorticoids.

      The resulting hyperandrogenism causes increased sebum secretion. Characteristic features: monomorphism of the rash (all elements are at the same stage of development), absence of comedones. The rash most often consists of nodular-cystic elements, located on the upper chest, less often on the face, and quickly regresses after discontinuation of the drug.

      Taking anabolic steroids is often combined with vitamin cocktails, which include B vitamins and cause the appearance of nodular cystic acne. With this form of acne in patients, it is necessary to exclude endocrine disorders.

    4. Globular or clustered acne (Acne conglobata)

      One of the most severe manifestations of acne is often a skin manifestation of the XYY karyotype in men against the background of dense seborrhea and polycystic ovary syndrome in women. Globular acne occurs in adolescence and persists, as a rule, up to 40 years or more. Without treatment, rashes can persist for decades.

      It is characterized by the fusion of nodes and cysts into conglomerates, the formation of fistulous tracts. The torso is most often affected: globular acne manifests itself as multiple nodular cystic elements and large comedones, located not only in areas of seborrhea, but also on the skin of the extremities, abdomen and back. Their healing occurs with the formation of keloid, hypertrophic and atrophic scars.

    5. Facial skin pyodermatitis (Pyoderma faciale)

      Many researchers attribute pyodermatitis to a manifestation of rosacea, a severe form of rosacea, and not acne. Pyodermatitis of the facial skin most often affects young women 15-40 years old. , many of whom have never suffered from acne, develops acutely, in some cases during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth. Inflammatory elements are localized exclusively on the face, with no comedones or general symptoms. Healing of the elements occurs slowly, over a year or more.

      The disease begins, as a rule, against a hyperemic background. It is characterized by the appearance of persistent erythema on the face, against which large papules, cysts and nodules rapidly develop, then merging into purulent conglomerates.

  • 3. Childhood acne
    1. Newborn acne (Acne neonatorum)

      The appearance of acne in newborns is a borderline physiological state of this period and occurs as a result of a sexual (hormonal) crisis. Its manifestations also include breast engorgement, hydrocele, and physiological vulvovaginitis. These conditions are caused by the action of maternal hormones received by the fetus in the prenatal period. Acne in newborns are closed comedones located on the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead in the form of pinpoint white or yellowish papules. As a rule, they disappear on their own without a trace within 1.5-2 weeks.

    2. Children's acne (Acne infantum)

      In children, acne can appear at the age of 3-6 months and cause protracted, severe forms of acne. Their development may be associated with a dangerous congenital pathology (adrenal hyperplasia or tumor) and requires a thorough examination of the child.

  • 4. Acne caused by exogenous causes

    In this case, rashes are associated with prolonged inhalation, ingestion, or direct exposure of the skin to comedogenic substances, such as mineral oils or other petroleum products, halogenated hydrocarbons, insecticides, detergents, etc.

    1. Toxic acne, professional acne (Acne venenata) occur when a person comes into contact with chemicals and compounds that lead to blockage of pores and the occurrence of acne (tar, lubricating oils, chlorine, etc.).
    2. Cosmetic acne (Acne cosmetica) appear as a result of excessive or improper use of cosmetics (usually face creams).
    3. Acne from detergents (Acne detergicans) develop from frequent use of detergents, leading to the formation of comedones.
    4. Solar acne (Acne aestivalis, Acne majorca)- acne that appears or worsens in hot and humid climates.
  • 5. Acne caused by mechanical factors (Acne mechanica)

    This form occurs in individuals predisposed to developing rashes in response to mechanical stress (pressure, friction). As a result of wearing a tight headdress, a cast, severe sweating, the habit of constantly touching or rubbing the face, etc., mechanical blockage of the follicle ducts occurs and an inflammatory process occurs.

    According to the mechanism of occurrence, it is logical to include excoriated acne (rashes in women trying to remove even minimal and sometimes non-existent manifestations of acne) into this form, although the cause in this case is psychoneurological disorders.

  • 6. Acneiform acne

    Rashes in which there are no comedones are called acneiform.

    These include a large group of dermatoses: rosacea, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, skin tuberculosis, small nodular sarcoidosis of the face, drug rash. For acneiform rashes, the primary inflammation is the pilosebaceous follicle. When diagnosing, they should be distinguished from acne.

3. Classification of acne according to severity of manifestations

I degree. One or two areas of the face are affected. The main manifestations are open and closed comedones, with a significant predominance of open ones. Single superficial papules and pustules are possible.

II degree. Several areas of the face and body are affected. A large number of both open and closed comedones. Single papules and pustules.

III degree. Against the background of open and closed comedones, there are a large number of deep papules and pustules. Widespread hyperemia (redness) of the affected areas is possible due to a pronounced inflammatory reaction. Post-acne phenomena are pronounced: scars, stagnant spots.

IV degree. It is characterized by the presence of large, more than 5 mm in diameter, bluish-purple painful infiltrates, conglobate elements (several large, adjacent nodes connected by fistulous tracts), large cysts that resolve with the formation of rough atrophic scars. One or more areas may be affected. In the diagnosis of this stage, the decisive role is played by the severity, not the prevalence of manifestations.