Cystic acne can affect anyone, but it is more common in teenage boys and young men. It is not only very painful, but also often leaves scarring. We must understand that Cystic acne is not caused by a lack of cleansing, drinking soda, or eating sweets. Cystic acne forms well beneath the skin and popping this type of acne will likely result in infection and notable scarring.

Severe Cystic Acne must be treated with utmost care, because any form of treatment that is not suitable for the particular skin type, or has a side effect, can be extremely damaging for the skin, as it can further increase the problem, and then all other normal treatments would be worthless. Scientists and researchers have yet not been able to determine a sure shot remedy for cystic acne for all skin types. A highly stressed person has an increased risk of getting cystic acne. Most people who suffer from cystic acne need to seek the care of a dermatologist -- and the sooner the better.

• Armpits
• Arms
• Leg
• Face

These are small pustules that are of a whitish-yellow color. Hair will often grow straight through these pustules. When you pick at them, they may ooze with sebum and bloodstained pus. The hair may also grow right next to the area, but the pustule is still in the hair follicle. This condition tends to be somewhat itchy and people find it hard not to touch them. The pustules can be located anywhere on the scalp, but often only affects a small area.

This problem is formed the same way that acne is formed. This acne involves a bacterium that becomes trapped in the hair follicle. P. acnes is often the culprit in this problem. Staphylococcus bacterium is also known to cause this condition. Staphylococcus bacterium is known to cause other problems such as eye and nose infections.

Some people may develop scalp folliculitis when they sit in hot tubs or other warm and moist locations that are not chlorinated. The temperature softens the scalp and allows the hair follicles to be more susceptible to bacteria and infection. Ingrown hairs also cause it, as they are the perfect breeding grown for this bacterium. Other causes include:

• Diabetes
• Excessive sweating
• Tight clothing
• Unsanitary conditions
• Exposure to both heat and humidity
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Flu and colds

Scalp folliculitis is contagious and can be passed from one person to another. People need to be certain to use clean towels. Don’t share items such as:

• Towels
• Brushes
• Combs
• Hair Accessories
• Pillow cases

If scalp folliculitis is a persistent problem, be sure to visit a doctor. They will help you to determine if the infection is caused by a bacteria or fungus, which is another factor that can cause this condition. They will help you find an appropriate treatment plan as well. Many doctors will prescribe an over the counter cream that is applied to the area daily. These treatments may be Bacitracin, Neomycin and Mycitracin. These are applied three to four times per day.

Blackheads
Blackheads, or comedones, occur in pores that are partially blocked. Sebum, dead cells and bacteria will slowly drain to the surface of the poor and then the black color is caused by the skin pigment being exposed to air. These often take a long time to clear up.

Whiteheads
Whiteheads are comedones as well, but they are somewhat different than blackheads. These are caused by pores that are completely blocked and stuck under the surface of the skin.

Papules
Papules are small red bumps on your skin. These tend to be very tender and cause irritation. These may cause scarring, so try not to touch or squeeze these.

Pustules
These red bumps are what we know as pimples or zits. They appear as a red circle with a white or yellow center.

Nodules
Nodules are much larger than other forms of acne. These are hard lumps that appear beneath the surface of the skin, which can be very painful and last for a great deal of time. This type of acne is very vulnerable to scarring and it is advisable to have them treated by a dermatologist.

Cysts
These are very similar to nodules, except that they are filled with pus. These are often painful and may scar if left untreated. These should also be treated by a dermatologist.

Acne Conglobata
This is a relatively rare form of acne vulgaris. It can be disfiguring and cause severe suffering both psychologically and physically. These are often very large lesions that form on your face, chest, buttocks, back, upper arms and thighs. It is also accompanied by blackheads. This often causes damage and permanent scarring. This is often a condition that appears more in men than in women. This condition is known to persist for several years.

Acne Fulminans
This is often the sudden appearance of Acne Conglobata and is accompanied by a fever and achy joints. This is usually treated with oral steroids.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis
This condition can be caused by long-term treatment of acne with antibiotics and is a bacterial infection, which causes cysts and pustules.

Pyoderma Faciale
This is a type of acne that affects females between the ages of 20 and 40. This can cause very painful pustules, nodules and cysts. They appear on the face and leave a permanent scarring. This often occurs in women who have never experienced acne before and often clears up in about a year.

Acne Rosacea
This type of acne tends to appear in people who are over the age of 30. This is a red rash that appears on cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. There may also be pimples and other blemishes. This tends to occur more in women than in men. When men do breakout with it, it tends to be more severe. This is much different than Acne Vulgaris and requires a different treatment.

Baby Acne
Baby acne often manifests itself as white bumps that appear on the baby’s body. This is really nothing to worry about and it is very natural. Baby acne is traced back to the hormones that pass through the placenta to the baby. The condition may also develop several days or weeks after birth. When the baby receives the surge of hormones right before birth, they often develop baby acne.

This condition can be soothed with a mild soap and lukewarm water once per day. Do not use lotions or oils as it may aggravate the skin. You also want to avoid excessive cleansing and scrubbing. Baby acne is not caused by dirt or debris so scrubbing doesn’t help.

Acne Dysmorphia
This is not technically a physical condition caused by acne, but it is a mental condition. This can be a very debilitating illness that may show up with someone who has a preoccupation with deformity. In this situation the person is totally preoccupied with acne. They believe that their acne is horrible and that their skin is awful, when in actuality it may not be all that bad. They are often preoccupied by checking themselves in a mirror and obsessively checking on their skin flaws.

Billions of people have acne outbreaks, but these people are unable to deal with it. In fact, this disorder has nothing to do with acne. This disorder is also related to anorexia nervosa. In anorexia, weight is a trigger; in acne dysmorphia, acne is a trigger. These people are obsessed with their skin and it is not unusual for this type of person to continuously look in the mirror and obsess about their skin.

Acne dysmorphia has been successfully treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as hypnosis. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychological treatment for depression related disorders. Group therapy sessions with people who suffer from similar problems have allowed people to relieve themselves from the obsession that they suffer from. People with this condition have also been treated with antidepressants and other medications.

It can also appear on the chest and buttocks. There are several factors that can cause this acne to occur including:

• Tight fitting clothing
• Perspiration
• Clothing that can’t “breathe”

People who are physically active are often prone to body acne. This is especially true if they wear clothing such as spandex. Spandex traps fluids against the skin and causes it to block the hair follicles and pores.

Body acne can be similar to facial acne, but it can show up in some awkward places. Skin that is located on the body is often thicker and more susceptible to friction that is caused by clothing that fits tightly and rubs on the skin.