What are the different types of acne?

It’s not just teenagers who get acne. While blemishes are most common during puberty, even babies can be effected and some people develop acne-prone skin in adulthood.
 
Acne is sometimes labelled according to the age at which it occurs: baby acne, teenage acne, adult acne etc., but it is also described according to the severity of its symptoms (e.g. Acne Conglobata) and, at other times, the various forms of acne are grouped according to the external causes that may have triggered blemishes (e.g. Cosmetic and Mallorcan Acne).
This article looks at all three different ways of grouping acne and explains the names, likely triggers and symptoms of each different type.
 
We use terms such as comedones, papules and pustules to describe the different forms of acne. If you’re not familiar with these, you can find an explanation of the terms used to describe blemishes in Acne-prone skin in general.
 
If you’d like to find out more about how blemishes and acne develop, take a look at the development of acne and the causes and triggers of acne. For how to care for skin, read the ideal skincare products and routine for acne-prone skin and acne medication and common treatments.
 
This article may help you identify the type of acne that you have but, if you are still in doubt after reading it, and if your skin is causing you problems, then you should consult your doctor who will be able to give you the information and advice you need.

Our hormones behave differently at different stages of our life. This means that acne, for which the primary internal cause is hormonal, varies depending on our age. You can read more about the relationship between acne and hormones here. Acne is most likely to occur when hormones are fluctuating and is broadly categorised into four different age-related types:

Acne is frequently classified by the severity of the symptoms − from mild through to severe.

Also known as
Mild acne

When does it occur?
Most common during puberty, but can also occur in later life

Where does it occur?
Primarily on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks) and, more rarely, on the back

Symptoms
A number of blemishes which can include blackheads and whiteheads and maybe a few papules. 

Can it scar?
Yes, but scars are unlikely and normally minimal. The risk of pigmentation issues is also low.

Also known as
Moderate acne, Papulopustular Acne

When does it occur?
Most common during puberty, but can also occur in later life.

Where does it occur?
Primarily on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks) and, more rarely, on the back.

Symptoms
A moderate to severe form of acne. Typically a mixture of papules and pustules. Skin may appear red and inflamed.

Can it scar?
Yes, there is a chance that skin may scar and also be left with hyperpigmentation marks.

 

Also known as
Severe acne, AC

When does it occur?
An uncommon form of acne, it is most likely to happen during puberty although it may also occur in later life

Where does it occur?
Primarily on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks), neck and back.

Symptoms
Multiple visibly inflamed blemishes including papules and pustules. These blemishes may group together and form nodules and cysts and can be painful. 

Can it scar?
Yes, there is a considerable risk of scarring and pigmentation issues

Also known as
Acne Maligna, Acute febrile ulcerative acne
 
When does it occur?
A very rare form of acne, it effects mostly men between the ages of 13 and 22. It may be triggered by isotretinoin, the most effective medical acne treatment for severe symptoms, and is related to ‘doping acne’ which is acne caused by the overuse of steroids by some bodybuilders and weightlifters.
 
Where does it occur?
Primarily on the face (forehead, nose and cheeks) and back
 
Symptoms
Similar in characteristics to Acne Conglobata. Sufferers may also experience fever and joint inflammation
 
Can it scar?
Yes, there is a considerable risk of scarring and pigmentation issues
You can find out more about the consequences of these different types of acne, as well as what you can do to reduce and remove marks and scars, in Acne and scarring and Acne and pimple marks.

The primary cause of acne, hormones, is internal but there are several external factors which can cause and exacerbate acne. Acne is sometimes names after, and grouped according to, these external factors. The most common varieties are explained below: