Different Types of Acne

Whitehead: A small pimple having a white or yellowish head, due to a pore clogged with dead skin cells and oils. A layer of skin covers the surface of a whitehead, so because it's not exposed to air, it won't get dark, like a blackhead.

Blackhead: A small, black-tipped lesion consisting of a clogged pore filled with sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells. The surface of the lesion turns black due to melanin or because of a chemical reaction of the plug content with air.

Papule: A small, inflamed lesion, also known as a pimple.

Pustule: A small, inflamed, elevated lesion, containing pus. Also referred to as a pimple. Differs from a papule because of the pus located in the center of the lesion.

Nodule: A small, abnormal node, mass or lump. Is usually caused by severe acne and may appear as an inflamed, deep, red bump that's larger than a pimple. Can be painful and lead to scarring.

Cyst: A large, pus-filled acne lesion that's usually inflamed and painful. Can become infected and lead to scarring.