Inflammatory
In more severe types, acne is characterized by inflammation. It may include lesions like,
- Papule: Papules are inflamed comedones. Sometimes the comedones are not able to contain the sebum and dead skin cells so it collapses because of the excessive debris. The sebum and dead skin cells are then leaked into the surrounding skin tissue. The bacteria known as Propinoibacterium acnes gets trapped in the sebum, and causes inflammation in those surrounding areas. When these papules are filled with pus, they are called pustules. Disturbing the pustules can cause serious, lasting damage to the skin.
- Cyst: It is the most severe form of acne lesions, which happen when the sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria penetrates deep into the skin more than it does in nodules. Cystic acne is large in size and red in color and painful when to touch. Cystic acne is most common in people with oily skin. A cyst is filled with pus and bacteria which can cause damage to other surrounding skin cells as well, if leaked that why you should not touch your acne.
- Nodules: It is also a very severe kind of acne. Acne nodules are large, hard and painful bumps that grow beneath the dermis. The dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria are trapped inside a hair follicle and penetrate deep into the skin, damaging other surrounding tissues, and causing inflammation and forming nodules. They are stable structures and are long lasting. Nodular acne can cause scarring if they are squeezed.