Acne Vulgaris - Causes, Treatment
The acne vulgaris is also commonly known as the ‘common acne’. It is a condition of the skin that is characterized by the inflammation of the skin. It is externally triggered by changes in the skin structure and excessive secretion of the sebum from the sebaceous glands. Acne vulgaris in fact comprises of all common types of pimples and zits. Acne vulgaris like any other acne type occurs during the adolescent age but can continue in the adult age and with some people they keep occurring for years.
The most important step that you need to take while trying to cure acne vulgaris is to understand why they are caused. Contrary to the external symptoms of the acne vulgaris namely the production of excess sebum and the blocking up of hair follicles by dead skin cells which leads to the perfect environment for acne bacteria, the internal causes much serious and deep rooted.
Acne vulgaris can be harsh for some people and mild for others. The best thing to do is find a solution as early as possible. The earlier you tackle it, the better. If you don’t find a proper acne treatment, your acne will just sit there and even worsen. Once you find an effective treatment, the key to get rid of that acne is to use it regularly and consistently until it’s healed.
Acne Vulgaris Causes
Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne or pimples, is a common skin disorder that plagues about 85% to 100% of people at some time during their lives. It affects people of every age, gender and race, although it is more evident in teenagers. Acne vulgaris is actually characterized by non-inflammatory follicular papules or comedones as well as by inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules in its more acute forms.
Acne Vulgaris is caused by the barring of your skin pores by dead cells, leading to the out break of acne. This results in the build up of oils created by the sebaceous glands (based under your skin); which is a perfect environment for skin bacteria to multiply. As the oil collects under your skin it becomes inflamed and creates a visible pimple on your skin. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are generally the most affected.
Overactive oil glands - In the teen years especially, but sometimes also during adulthood, the oil glands of the skin become extremely active, making the skin more oily. This oil can get clogged in pores leading to acne.
Hormonal fluctuations - Again, during puberty and the teen years, hormonal fluctuations seem to aggravate acne vulgaris. Adult women may have breakouts during times of hormone swings such as during the menstrual cycle or perimenopause.
Treatment for Acne Vulgaris
The treatment for acne vulgaris will depend on its severity. For mild form of acne, using over-the-counter product that contains benzoyl peroxide and following the correct way of washing your face should be sufficient to overcome the problem. For a more severe form of acne, it’s highly advisable to see a dermatologist so that he or she can recommend the proper medications. Severe forms of acne are most likely treated with antibiotics and topical therapies as well.
More advance treatments or drug-free alternative for acne vulgaris are also available these days. For example, many private clinics are now using a new machine which uses a specific blue light that acts to destroy the acne-causing bacteria. This type of treatment is suitable for those who have severe forms of acne but can’t tolerate antibiotics.
