Acne diagnosis is one of the basic steps in treating the condition effectively. Although it is easy to know if you have acne, diagnosis can reveal important aspects which may otherwise stay hidden. Mild acne can be self diagnosed and treated. However, it is imperative to check out with a doctor if the acne seems to be severe.
The primary function for the diagnosis includes charting all information pertaining to the medical history of the patient. The doctor might ask for data about symptoms, duration, severity and type of the condition. The diagnosis may also include a physical examination of the skin by a dermatologist. Usually, a simple visual inspection of the skin is all it takes for an acne diagnosis.
Differentiating Among Various Types Of Acne
Dermatologists divide acne into four grades, depending upon the severity of the condition.
Grade I: Grade I takes into account the mildest form of acne. Blackheads (dark brown to black open comedones), whiteheads (closed comedones) and milia (a hard closed comedone with a whitehead) are present on the skin in this type of acne. Usually, no inflammation takes place. However, pimples may be present.
Grade II: This type of acne, considered to be moderate, accompanies a larger number of blackheads and whiteheads. Papules (small, red bumps without pus) and pustules (bumps with a whitehead, containing pus) may be present in this type.
Grade III: Grade III represents moderate to severe type of acne. The inflammation in this type is more than that of Grade II. The redness and quantity of pimples is also greater than that of Grade II. An important aspect of this type of acne is that nodules (an acne lesion with hard, painful lump under the skin) appear frequently on the skin.
Grade IV: With many pustules, nodules and, notably, cysts (an inflamed acne lesion due to rupture of the follicle wall), this is the most severe form of acne. The number of blackheads and whiteheads is readily numerous in quantities. Moreover, inflammation and redness is easily distinguishable from the other types. The breakouts are more likely to extend to other areas of the body, not confining the acne to just the face.
It is notable here that acne diagnosis should primarily involve the portions of the body where the concentration of sebaceous glands is higher than usual. The body parts which are most vulnerable to acne include face, neck, upper arms, shoulder, chest and back.
Blood tests may be performed for patients who suffer from acne due to hormonal problems. Sometimes, a stool test is also performed to check whether there is any yeast overgrowth. It has been found that yeast may contribute to the condition to a large extent. Doctors may also look for any food allergy symptoms when other factors fail to establish a reasonable clue in the process of acne diagnosis.