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What are the two main types of acne?

  1. Hormonal and cystic acne

  2. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne

  3. Active and dormant acne

  4. Superficial and deep acne

The correct answer is: Inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne

The two main types of acne are classified as inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne includes lesions that are red, swollen, and sometimes painful, such as papules, pustules, and nodules. These types of acne typically arise when the hair follicles become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, leading to bacteria growth and an immune response. Non-inflammatory acne refers to comedones, which are usually open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads) and do not present signs of inflammation. These types of lesions occur when the hair follicles are clogged, but there is no associated redness or swelling since the condition remains confined to the surface of the skin. Understanding this classification is essential for skincare and treatment options, as the approach for managing inflammatory acne often differs from that for non-inflammatory types, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the different manifestations of acne during consultation and treatment.