Acne vulgaris is the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and/or cysts as a result of obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous gland). Acne develops on the face and upper trunk. It most often affects adolescents. Diagnosis is by examination.
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Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked
with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil (sebum).
The blocked follicles cause blemishes on the skin, including pimples,
blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.
Also known as common acne, one of its main causes is hormones,
especially around puberty.
Acne vulgaris is a chronic condition affecting more than 85% of adolescents
and two-third of adults aged 18 years and older.
3. Symptoms
Most acne occurs on the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Symptoms can be mild,
moderate, or severe.
If you have mild acne, you probably have less than 20 blackheads or whiteheads.
Whiteheads are small flesh-colored or whitish blemishes, while blackheads have a
dark center.
You might also develop pimples, which are round, inflamed whiteheads on the skin.
If you have moderate acne, you’ll have a larger number of blackheads, whiteheads,
and pimples.
Severe acne may include widespread blemishes with nodules or cysts, which are
larger and more solid than pimples. Nodules and cysts tend to be more painful than
pimples.
6. Acne vulgaris is caused by a combination of hormones, oil, and bacteria.
During puberty, a hormone called androgen increases and the sebaceous
glands produce more of the oily substance sebum.
Typically, sebum and dead skin cells come up through the hair follicles and
out through the pores in the skin.
When sebum, skins cells, and bacteria clog the follicles, the sebum can’t
escape through the pores, which causes acne.
Causes
7. Causes
As you enter early adulthood, those hormones may decrease enough that
acne will start to disappear.
For about 40% of women, acne may continue into their 40s because of
hormonal changes and other causes, including.
Hormonal changes in pregnancy or from the menstrual cycle
Some medications
Certain cosmetics and lotions
High humidity and sweating
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
8. Diagnosis
Most of the time, you’ll be able to recognize when you have acne. If you’re
dealing with acne on a regular basis, though, it's best to make an
appointment with a dermatologist.
They can check your blemishes and make sure that your condition is acne
and not another similar condition, like rosacea.
Once diagnosed, your healthcare provider can help you determine a
treatment based on the cause and whether your acne is mild, moderate, or
severe.
9. Treatment
Your healthcare provider may suggest one treatment or a combination,
depending on the severity of your acne.
Mild acne may be able to be treated with over-the-counter topical medicine
in creams, gels, and washes with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide targets the bacteria that causes acne and is contained
in over-the counter (OTC) acne products such as Pan Oxyl Acne Foaming
Wash and Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser.
10. Treatment
Salicylic acid works by easing inflammation and unclogging pores. It can
be found in OTC brands like CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser and Vichy
Normaderm Daily Deep Cleansing Gel.
Retinoids are available over the counter as well as via prescription (e.g.,
Differin). They help to break up whiteheads and blackheads, as well as
prevent blocked pores.
Moderate acne is often treated with oral antibiotics, including doxycycline,
minocycline, azithromycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline.
11. Treatment
Your healthcare provider may suggest you use one of these with a topical
treatment for about 12 weeks, then stop the oral medication to see if your acne can
be kept under control with just the topical option.
Severe acne may be treated with antibiotics and topical medication. If these
medications aren’t successful in treating your acne, your healthcare provider may
suggest the oral drug Zenatane (isotretinoin).
This drug can cause birth defects. Women taking it must use at least two forms of
birth control. Other serious side effects may occur, such as depression and severe
stomach pain, so talk to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of using
this medication.
12. Coping
Acne vulgaris can cause emotional stress for adolescents or anyone feeling
self conscious about their appearance. If you’re feeling depressed or
anxious, seek help from a counselor or therapist while you’re going through
treatment for acne.
Emotional
Loss of Confidence
Anger and Frustration
Hopelessness and Feeling Out of Control
Feeling That Acne Has "Taken Over Your Life“
Anxiety and Depression
13. SelfTreatment
1. Wash the face twice daily.
2. Refrain from popping or picking at pimples.
3. Do not use hard scrubbing.
4. Apply topical treatments.
5. Keep hair clean.
6. Consider topical retinoids.
7. Don't touch your face with your fingers.
8. Wear sunscreen when going outdoors.
9. Reduce stress.
10. Talk to a dermatologist about antibiotics.
11. Avoid skincare products that contain oil.
Editor's Notes
1.Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes blushing or flushing and visible blood vessels in your face.
2.Blemishes is a pimple or other mark on your skin.
PanOxyl's Daily Control Acne Creamy Wash is ideal for daily use on acne-prone skin and can be used two to three times a day. It has a 4% concentration of Benzoyl peroxide which kills acne-causing bacteria on contact and helps shed dead skin cells fast.
1.CeraVe Healing Ointment is formulated to temporarily protect, soothe and hydrate skin as it recovers from cracking, chafing and extreme dryness.
2.Vichy Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Cleansing Gel, Normaderm Purifying Face Wash for Oily Skin, Acne Breakouts and Pores.
3.Differin is used to treat severe acne in people who are at least 12 years old. It works by decreasing acne formation.
Zenatane is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Severe, Recalcitrant Nodular Acne.