Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples – all of which can go by the endearing term, "zits."
Acne occurs when pores become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally the oil gland secretes oil near the bottom of the follicle that moves up the hair shaft to lubricate the hair and skin. As these natural oils move up the follicle, they help remove debris, including old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria: this combination of conditions can often lead to acne.
Types of Acne
Non-inflammatory or Comedonal Acne
Comedones are small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture. Comedonal acne is non-inflammatory acne.
Blackheads
Tiny dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin, also called open comedones.
Whiteheads
White raised bumps caused by collections of oil and skin in pores, also known as closed comedones.
Inflammatory Acne
Big. Angry-looking. Inflammatory acne is usually pink or red, and well, inflamed.
Papules
Solid raised spots on the skin that are less than one centimeter wide. Papules are associated with inflammatory acne.
Pustules
Small, inflamed, pus-filled blister-like lesions on the skin's surface. Pustules are associated with inflammatory acne.
ACZONE® (dapsone) Gel 5% is approved to treat acne vulgaris, which includes comedonal (non-inflammatory) acne.
