Telling breakout types apart
Is it a closed comedone, an inflamed spot or a deep nodule? Sort bumps by look and by how they change, tell marks from scars, and see what to note in your log.
15 articlesLast reviewed Oct 1, 2026
- Acne Severity: Count Your Spots at the Mirror and Log Each WeekSort acne into comedones, red bumps, pus bumps and nodules, count them at the mirror, and use a weekly log to see what stays home care and when to book a visit.
- Butt Acne on Sitting Days vs. Workout Days: Underwear and ShowersButt acne sorted by long sitting days and workout days: which underwear to pick, when to change, how to order your shower, and a log of signs of a boil.
- Dark Spots on Buttocks? Track Sitting Hours, Clothes and ScrubbingA daily-life log for dark spots on buttocks: track sitting time, chair and clothing fabric, how hard you scrub, and picking, then compare photos once a month.
- Closed Comedones Routine: Fewer Steps, Then Watch for 4 WeeksWhen closed comedones multiply, cut your routine to 3 steps or fewer, add one new product at a time, and count bumps for 4 weeks using a weekly log.
- Whiteheads and Blackheads: A Week-by-Week Plan Without SqueezingA weekly plan for whiteheads and blackheads on your nose and chin, no squeezing: a daily wash, exfoliating once or twice a week, habits to drop, 4-week photos.
- Hyperpigmentation: Is It Fading? A Sunscreen and Monthly Photo LogTo see whether hyperpigmentation is fading, get sunscreen amount and reapplying right, then take a same-conditions photo each month. Includes a 6-month log.
- Folliculitis on Face? Daily Photos, Shaving Notes and Visit PrepSuspect folliculitis on your face, under the nose or in the beard area? Log photos with shaving, mask and ointment use by date, plus what to say at your visit.
- Folliculitis After Shaving or a Hot Tub: What to Watch for 2 DaysBumps after shaving, waxing, a hot tub or sauna, or sweaty gym clothes? What to watch and avoid for 2 days for each trigger, and signs that call for a doctor.
- Pimple on Lip Keeps Coming Back? Swap Lip Products, Track HabitsFor a recurring pimple on the lip: swap lip balm, lipstick and toothpaste one at a time, count picking and licking for 2 weeks, and log blisters separately.
- Malassezia Folliculitis in Sweaty Months: Shower & Clothes LogSuspect Malassezia folliculitis? Log back and chest bumps by date in sweaty months, adjust your post-workout shower and clothes, and get ready for a skin test.
- Nodular Acne: What to Log and Ask Before a Dermatology VisitBefore a nodular acne appointment, log count, size, duration, family history and medicines, bring these questions, and learn how cysts differ and when to hurry.
- Pimple Before a Big Event? A 48-Hour Step-by-Step TimelineGot a pimple two days before an interview, wedding or talk? A 48-hour timeline: hands off, gentle washing, a patch, cover-up makeup and the night-of cleanup.
- Acne Scars: What to Watch for 3 Months After a Breakout SettlesWorried about acne scars? Compare same-light photos of a mark for three months after a breakout, and know the scar signs: deep spots, picking and late care.
- Pustules: What to Do and What to Skip in the First 3 DaysA day-by-day plan for a pustule's first three days: hands off, the order for washing, makeup and patches, what to check on day four, and signs you need care.
- Scalp Pimples: Checking Wash Time, Rinsing and Drying HabitsA two-week shampoo check for scalp pimples: morning vs night washing, rinse time, blow-drying, hats and helmets, plus the signs that call for a dermatologist.
