Acne presents itself in a variety of ways and come with a variety of names to distinguish it.

Whiteheads

The basic acne lesion, called the comedo (KOM-e-do), is simply an enlarged and plugged hair follicle. If the plugged follicle, or comedo, stays beneath the skin, it is called a closed comedo and produces a white bump called a whitehead.

Blackheads

A comedo that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called an open comedo or blackhead because it looks black on the skin’s surface. This black discoloration is due to changes in sebum as it is exposed to air. It is not due to dirt.

Papules

These are inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch.

Pustules (pimples)

When the papules are topped by white or yellow pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base they are given the simple name pimples.

Nodules

More severe cases of acne are characterised by large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin.

Cysts

Another severe form of acne presents with deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.

These different types of acne require differing acne treatments from topical medicine treatments such as creams or washes to oral medication for the more severe forms of acne. The types of acne treatment will be dealt with in another article.