This is a comprehensive guide on 20 types of acne in Kenya. There are many different “types of acne” since the classification of acne can be based on the acne lesions or the triggers of the acne.
Types of Acne in Kenya Classification 1
Comedones
Comedones are the lesions which develop on the skin when the skin pore (also known as the hair follicle or pilosebaceous unit) becomes clogged by oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. These comedones are divided into closed comedones or whiteheads and open comedones of blackheads. Comedones begin as white comedones which are basically a plug made from oil and dead skin cells. They become black comedones when the plug moves to the surface of the skin and becomes oxidized by the air.
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To get rid of comedones fast use products with ingredients that exfoliate the skin like salicylic acid, retinol and retinoids. Examples include the following:
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Moiturizer
Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Moisturizer contains salicylic acid which is a beta hydroxy acid BHA that gets rid of comedones fast. This cream which is good for comedones can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp 254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
Differin Gel
Differin Gel contains 0.1% adapalene which is a retinoid that gets rid of comedones fast. It can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop. The drug of choice for comedones is a stronger retinoid like tretinoin but one needs a Doctor’s presciption to get it. Differin Gel used to require a prescription but it can now be purchased over-the-counter. It is therefore one of the best products for comedones in Kenya.
Microdermabrasion
The Acne Microdermabrasion Procedure is a procedure that we do at our Almasi Skincare Clinic which gets rid of the comedones faster than using exfoliating skincare products because it removes the dead layer of cells on the surface of the skin painlessly. Combining microdermabrasion with the above exfoliating skincare products is therefore the best comedones treatment.
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Papules
Papules are small solid swellings on the skin which are commonly known as pimples. Acne papules are caused by an increase of the acne causing bacteria inside a plugged skin pore causing it to burst and release its contents into the surrounding skin. Therefore it is not normal to have acne papules on the skin.
The best medicine for pimples in Kenya is Differin.
The best treatment of acne papules is a combination of using skincare products with salicylic acid and a retinoid like Differin with our Acne Microdermabrasion Procedure.
Salicylic acid is better than benzoyl peroxide for treating acne papules or acne pimples because it unclogs the pores and reduces inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide also has a role in their treatment because it kills the acne causing bacteria.
Pustules
Pustules are small swellings on the skin which are filled with pus. Acne pustules develop when the contents of the ruptured skin pore activate the immune system.
The best treatment of acne pustules is a combination of prescription antibiotics taken by mouth with retinoids applied on the skin like Differin Gel.
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Nodules
Nodules are large solid swellings on the skin. Acne nodules develop when the acne infection becomes more severe and spreads deeper into the skin.
To get rid of acne nodules you need to take pills that are prescribed for acne in Kenya like doxycycline and isotretinoin.
Cysts
Acne cysts are large swellings filled with pus which develop when the acne infection is very severe. They develop when the area within the skin with the contents of the burst skin pore become infected.
To get rid of acne cysts you need to take prescription antibiotics like doxycycline or prescription retinoids mouth. Isotretinoin is the acne medicine that is best for cystic acne. Our Doctor can also inject medications into the acne cyst to help them shrink faster.
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Types of Acne in Kenya Classification 2
Acne Detergens
Acne Detergens in Kenya is triggered by excessive washing of the face. The excessive cleansing dries the skin and stimulates the sebaceous (oil) glands to produce more oil which then clogs the pores and causes breakouts.
Acne Detergens is treated by washing your skin not more than twice a day with The Best Cleansers.
This should be combined with using the best acne treatment products that can be purchased over-the-counter and if required, prescription acne medications from our Doctor.
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Bacne or Back Acne
Bacne or Back Acne is one of the top 10 types of acne in Kenya.
Bacne or Back Acne is triggered by clogging of the skin pores on the back. This can be caused by the following:
*Hormones
*Comedogenic hair care products like conditioners trickling down the back
*Sweat trapped under tight garments
*Not showering after exercising
*Friction from heavy backpacks and tight undergarments
Symptoms of back acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop on the back.
Bacne or Back Acne is treated by exfoliating the back regularly with salicylic acid washes or glycolic acid washes, using non-comedogenic moisturizers, keeping hair care products and away from the back, showering after working out, wearing breathable fabrics like cotton next to the skin, wearing loose fitting clothes.
At Almasi Skincare, we also do cosmetic treatments for acne like microdermabrasion for back acne to help it heal faster and to fade the dark spots.
Click here to learn more about Back Acne Treatment
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Bodybuilding Acne
Bodybuilding Acne in Kenya is triggered by the use of anabolic androgenic steroids. These performance enhancing drugs are usually used for body building purposes.
Bodybuilding Acne is treated by not using anabolic androgenic steroids.
Bodybuilders control acne by using the best acne treatment products to cleanse their skin and moisturizer it after a woekout. If required, prescription acne medications can be prescribed by our Doctor.
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Chloracne
Chloracne in Kenya is triggered by exposure to halogenated hydrocarbons like chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofuranes. This can be through direct contact at work, inhalation or ingestion of contaminated foods.
Chloracne is treated by stopping exposure to the halogenated hydrocarbons and consulting our Doctor for prescription medication likee isotretinoin.
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Cosmetic Acne
Cosmetic Acne, which is also known as acne cosmetica, is one of the most common types of acne in Kenya.
Cosmetic Acne in Kenya is triggered by the use of cosmetics and oil-rich skincare products which clog the skin pores.
Symptoms of cosmetic acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop on the cheeks and other parts of the face which come in contact with the comedogenic products.
Cosmetic Acne is treated by using non-comedogenic cosmetics and skincare products. Differin which is the best cream for acne that can be obtained without a prescription can also be used. Differin can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop.
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Click here to read The Best Acne Makeup Products
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Diet Acne
Diet Acne is one of the top 10 types of acne in Kenya.
Diet Acne in Kenya is triggered by eating foods which lead to breakouts. Diet issues that cause acne include eating foods with a high glycemic index (GI above 70 ) like candy, white bread, cakes and doughnuts. Foods to avoid for acne aolso include milk with hormones from farmed animals.
Symptoms of diet acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop anywhere on the face.
Diet Acne is treated by eating low glycemic index foods (GI 55 or less) like fruits (apples, oranges), vegetables (e.g. dark green leafy vegetables), legumes (e.g. beans, peas) and complex carbohydrates (e.g. bran cereals, brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain breads). One should also drink organic milk.
To learn more, click here to buy Natural Adult Acne Treatment for Diet Acne.
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Friction Acne
Friction Acne in Kenya is triggered by items rubbing against the skin and sebaceous (oil) glands. These items that cause friction include stiff shirt collars, tight undergarments and clothing, helmet straps, straps from backpacks and handbags.
Symptoms of friction acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop on the skin that is experiencing the friction. This can be at the neck, shoulders or back.
To get rid of friction acne do not use items that cause friction on the skin. If you must use them, ensure that you have a soft, breathable fabric like cotton next to the skin. This should be combined with the use of exfoliating skincare products with salicyic acid and Differin which is the best cream for acne in Kenya. At Almasi Skincare, we also do cosmetic treatments for acne like microdermabrasion for friction acne on the back to clear the acne pimples and dark spots.
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Hair Care Acne
Hair Care Acne is one of the top 10 types of acne in Kenya.
Hair Care acne in Kenya is triggered by hair care products coming in contact with the skin on your face by dripping down to the forehead. It can also be caused by hairstyles like fringes and bangs which bring the hair in contact with the facial skin.
Symptoms of hair care acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop along the hairline.
Hair Care Acne is treated by keeping the hair and hair care products away from the face. One should also use non-comedogenic hair care products.
To learn more, click here to buy Natural Adult Acne Treatment for Hair Care Acne
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Hormonal Acne
Hormonal Acne is is one of the top 10 types of acne in Kenya.
Hormonal acne in Kenya is triggered by changes in hormone levels in the body which occurs before the monthly menstrual periods, during pregnancy and menopause. Hormonal conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can also cause hormonal acne.
Symptoms of hormonal acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop along the jawline and chin. Infact, one way that you can know that your acne is hormonal is if you are always breaking out in these areas.
The best acne teatment for hormonal acne is a combination of over-the-counter acne products and prescription acne medications with our Acne Microdermabrasion Procedure. Differin Gel fights hormonal acne effetively because it contains adapalene which is a retinoid.
To learn more, click here to buy Natural Adult Acne Treatment for Hormonal Acne.
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Iatrogenic Acne
Iatrogenic acne is also known as acne medicamentosa.
Iatrogenic acne in Kenya is triggered by the use of prescription medications like the following:
*Phenytoin (used to treat seizures)
*Lithium (used to treat mania)
*Isoniazid (used to treat tuberculosis)
Iatrogenic Acne is treated by asking the prescribing Doctor to change the medications causing breakouts. If that is not possible, it is treated by using acne skincare products like Differin Gel which is the best pimple removing cream in Kenya. It can be bought at our Almasi Skincare Shop. Severe cases may need prescription acne medications.
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Mask Acne
Mask Acne, which is also known as maskne, is one of the top 10 types of acne in Kenya.
Mask Acne in Kenya is triggered by wearing face masks which trap oil, dirt, bacteria and sweat on the skin. This leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Symptoms of hormonal acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop on the area covered by the mask which is usually around the mouth.
Mask Acne is treated by wearing a clean mask each day and using a gentle exfoliating cleanser with salicylic acid and a non-comedongenic moisturizer.
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Mechanical Acne
Mechanical Acne is also known as acne mechanica.
Mechanical acne in Kenya is triggered by heat, friction, pressure and physical trauma which cause mechanical breakage of the sebaceous (oil) glands. It usually develops as a result of wearing bicycle helmets, baseball caps, head bands and stiff shirt collars.
Symptoms of hormonal acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop on the skin experinceing the pressure and friction. For example this can be on the forehead in persons wearing caps.
To get rid of mechanical acne stop using items that cause pressure and friction on the skin as this will make the acne mechanica go away. If you must use them, ensure that you have a soft, breathable fabric like cotton next to the skin.
Acne mechanica tends to heal faster than “regular acne” when you stop causing pressure on the skin and use the best acne treatment products. If your bout of mechanical acne was serious and it has not cleared within 6-8 weeks off using these over-the-counter products, Consult our Doctor for prescription acne medications.
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Occupational Acne
Occupational Acne in Kenya is triggered by exposure to machine oils, grease and coal tar derivatives in the line of duty.
Symptoms of occupational acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop on the skin that comes in contact with the substances at work. This might be on the hands and face.
Occupational Acne is treated by wearing protective clothing like gloves, aprons and face shields when working.
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Pomade Acne
Pomade Acne is also known as Acne Venenata and it is one of the top 10 types of acne in Kenya.
Pomade Acne in Kenya is triggered by the use of greasy hair products that contain wax, lanolin and petroleum jelly. These trickle down to the face orback and clog the skin pores.
Symptoms of pomade acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop where the hair care products come in contact with the skin. These might be on the hairline, forehead, cheeks or upper back.
Pomade Acne is treated by using non-comedogenic hair care products which should be applied one inch from the hairline. Hair products like pomades which do not cause acne are often labelled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores”. In addition when styling the hair, keep it away from the face.
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Skincare Acne
Skin Care Acne is one of the top 10 types of acne in Kenya.
Skin Care acne in Kenya is triggered by poor skin care habits like using skincare products with comedogenic ingredients, sharing makeup, makeup brushes and other applicators, not cleaning your phone and pillowcase frequently, and touching your face when thinking.
Symptoms of skincare acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop where the skincare products come in contact with the skin. This might be on the cheeks or the entire face.
Skincare Acne is treated by adopting good skin care habits like using non-comedogenic skincare products, not sharing makeup, makeup brushes and other applicators, cleaning your phone and pillowcase frequently, and not touching your face except when cleansing it with clean hands. Comedogenic skincare products to avoid in acne have ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isostrearate, acetylated lanonlin, algae, algae extract and beeswax.
For the full list, red The Comedogenic Ratings of Oils and Butters
Skincare acne is also treated by using the best acne treatment products which contain ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. The best skincare brand for acne is Neutrogena and Cerave comes in a close second. Dermatologists recommend skincare products from both these brands and probably many Dermatologists use them.
However Differin is the best cream for acne in Kenya because it contains 0.1% adapalene though it is not made by these companies. It was previously only available by prescription but can now be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop.
The most powerful skincare ingredient for acne treatment is benzoyl peroxide because it kills the acne causing bacteria. Panoxyl Acne Wash contains 10% benzoyl peroxide and it can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop.
If the skincare acne persists despite using these over-the-counter products, Consult our Doctor for prescription medicines. The medicine that is best for pimples in Kenya depends on the severity of the acne. For mild acne it is benzoyl peroxide. For severe acne it is isotretinoin as it is the #1 best acne treatment in the world for severe nodulocystic acne.
To learn more, click here to buy Natural Adult Acne Treatment for Skincare Acne.
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Sports Acne
Sports Acne in Kenya is triggered by forces of heat, pressure and friction on the skin. These forces are caused by tight exercise clothing, exercise head bands, jock straps, bra straps and helmet straps.
Sports Acne is treated by wearing an absorbent material under the sports gear and showering immediately after the sporting activity.
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Steroid Acne
Steroid Acne is one of the top 10 types of acne in Kenya.
Steroid Acne in Kenya is triggered by using corticosteroid medications. These medications are usually prescribed by a Doctor and they are taken orally by mouth or injected into the veins or inhaled into the lungs or applied on the skin. These medications can also be bought from back streets of Nairobi as “MKOROGO” which is a mixture that contains hydroquinone, corticosteroids and other chemical that lighten the skin.
Steroid Acne is treated by consulting your Doctor to change the prescription corticosteroids. If that is not possible due to the nature of the condition being treated, steroid acne is treated with the best acne treatment products. The best treatment for steroid acne is antibiotics like doxycyline and tetracycline because they kills the acne causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Steroid Acne caused by MKOROGO is treated by stopping its usage and the steroid acne will go away within 2 to 3 months. If it takes too long, Consult our Doctor to evaluate the damage to your skin and the prescribe the appropriate treatment.
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Stress Acne
Stress Acne in Kenya is triggered by the physical, mental and emotional changes which develop when a person is exposed to distressing situations.
Symptoms of stress acne include comedones, papules, pustules and cysts which develop on the forehead though they can appear anywhere on the face.
Stress Acne is treated by managing the source of the stress effectively. Enrolling in our Stress Management Workshops will teach you effective relaxation technique that will help you cope with stress better.
To learn more, click here to buy Natural Adult Acne Treatment for Stress Acne.
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Types of Acne Classification 3
Neonatal Acne
Neonatal Acne is also known as acne neonatorum or baby acne.
Neonatal acne in Kenya is triggered by the stimulation of the newborn baby’s sebaceous (oil) glands by the mother’s hormones.
Medications are not required to treat neonatal acne because it usually clears up on its own within 1 month. Wash the baby’s face with warm water each day and pat it dry. If you must use a cleanser pick one formulated for babies like AVeeeno Bsby and Cetaphil. Avoid applying ointments, oils and petroleum jelly as they can make it worse.
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Teenage Acne
Teenage Acne in Kenya is triggered by the increase in production of androgens or male sex hormones during puberty. It is therefore normal for a 15 year old to have acne.
To get rid of teenage acne use the best acne treatment products to cleanse and moisturize your skin twice a day. If the acne persists, Consult our Doctor for prescription acne medications to clear your skin. However, it is important to note that teenage acne lasts for 5 to 10 years and normally goes away in the early 20s.
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Adult Acne
Adult acne is also called postadolescent acne or adult onset acne vulgaris.
Adult acne in Kenya usually begins after the age of 25 years. Though it is less common in men, adult acne affects a significant number of women since studies have shown that more than 30% of women in their 30s suffer from it.
Adult acne is treated by using the best acne treatment products that can be purchased over-the-counter and if required, prescription acne medications from our Doctor.
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Cyclic Acne
Cyclic Acne is triggered by the release of hormones after ovulation. This usually results in the flare up of acne just before the monthly periods.
Cyclic Acne is treated by using effective acne cleansers and moisturizers and consulting our Doctor if symptoms persist. Click here to discover the Best Acne Skincare Products. To control ovulation acne, birth control pills are also presribed in Kenya.
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Types of Acne Classification 4
Acne Conglobata
Acne Conglobata is one of the rare acne conditions. Symptoms of acne conglobata in Kenya include large, interconnected acne nodules and cysts with extensive scarring. It has been associated with chromosomal abnormalities like the XXY karyotype. It is a rare type of acne that is treated by Dermatologists and Skin Doctors by using prescription medications like isotretinoin. Brand names of this potent drug used to treat acne include Accutane. It is important to note that this is the strongest acne teatment medicine as it is used to treat acne that has not responded to the other prescription medicines.
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Acne Excoriee
Acne Excoriee in Kenya mainly affects young women and is characterized by excessive picking and squeezing of acne lesions. It is often associated with psychological problems like obsessive compulsive disorder.
Acne Fulminans
Acne Fulminans is a rare acne disease which is also known as acne maligna or acute febrile ulcerative acne. Symptoms of acne fulminans in Kenya include large, painful ulcers which may be associated with fever and joint pains.
Acne Aestivalis
Acne Aestivalis is also known as Mallorca acne. This condition is not a “true acne” as it is triggered by exposure to sunlight since it is a type of polymorphous light eruption.
Acne Inversa
Acne Inversa is correctly known as hidradenitis suppurativa. It is characterized by painful swellings in the armpits, groin and anal area which are worsened by tight clothing, sweat, heat and emotional stress. This condition is not a “true acne”.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae is not a “true acne”. It is a chronic folliculitis that develops keloid-like scars on the back of the head and neck caused by the inward growth of curved hairs.
Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is the “true acne” that most people refer to when talking about “acne”.
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne is not a “true acne”. It is actually an infection of the hair follicles caused by the fungi Malassezia. Its correct name is therefore Malassezia folliculitis of Pityrosporum folliculitis. This overgrowth of the fungi on the skin can be triggered by immunosuppression and antibiotics. Symptoms of fungal acne in Kenya include monomorphic papules and pustules on the face, chest, back and arms. Fungal acne is treated with oral antifungals.
Scalp Acne
Scalp Acne is also called acne miliaris necrotica or acne varioliformis. This condition is not a “true acne”. It is characterized by inflammation of the scalp with burning and itchy sensations and hair loss.
Rosacea Acne
Rosacea acne is not a “true acne”. Symptoms of rosacea in Kenya include redness of the face with small pimples but no comedones. It can be triggered by Demodex folliculorum mites, weather extremes, hot baths, alcohol, hot and spicy foods as well as emotional stress.
Pyoderma Faciale
Pyoderma faciale is also known as rosacea fulminans. This condition is not a “type of acne vulgaris” but it has been included here because it is commonly confused with acne vulgaris or with rosacea acne. It only affects women and usually those aged between 20 to 40 years. It starts suddenly and can spread rapidly to involve the entire face within a week. It only involves the face and is characterized by large nodules and pus filled swellings which resemble those caused by severe acne vulgaris. It differs from acne vulgaris because it does not have comedones (black heads and white heads). If differs from rosacea acne in that there is no flushing and it does not affect the eyes. The treatment is to consult your doctor and develop a social support system for emotional support. It usually resolves within a year.