When you read about acne or other skin diseases, you encounter words or phrases that may be confusing. For example, the words used to describe the lesions of acne—comedo, papule, pustule, nodule and cyst—are understandable only if you know each word’s definition.
Acne is the term used for a set of lesions initiated by plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring.
Sebaceous glands are skin glands that produce an oily substance called sebum--these glands are the sites of acne lesions. Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and are found mostly on the face, neck, back and chest.
Microcomedo = clinically invisible acne lesion / acne precursor
Blackhead. An open, noninflammatory comedo.
Whitehead. A closed comedo.
Papule. An inflammatory comedo that resembles a small, red bump on the skin.
Pustule. An inflammatory comedo that resembles a whitehead with a ring of redness around it.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A medicine for acne usually targets a specific lesion
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