what is acne vulgaris

                                       what is acne vulgaris

what is acne vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease that occurs when our hair follicles become plugged with dead skin cells, bacteria and oil.

If you have acne, you will typically notice pimples blackheads and whiteheads, also known as comedones, these comedones are the hallmark acne vulgaris. Papules, pustules, whitehead, blackhead and nodular are all types of acne vulgaris. 

 Acne vulgaris is more common in people between the ages of 14 -30year. Usually, these rashes appear in adolescence but may return in adulthood. 

Acne vulgaris may have different presentations at different ages, preteens often present with comedones as their first lesions. We mostly find inflammatory lesions in young teenagers  in the middle of the face, 

About 80% of people suffer from acne, it can affect both male and female, but it found that acne vulgaris is more severe in men than women, because male produces more androgens hormone than female.  

 Acne vulgaris is most commonly seen in the face, forehand, neck, upper part of the chest, upper arms and upper back because these are the most sebaceous follicles areas of the body. 

 Closed comedones are small, pink-coloured bumps that give the skin a dull look. Open comedones typically are larger and black pus in them.  Sometimes this acne vulgaris causes a lot of pain and itching.

Causes and risk factors of acne vulgaris

Hormonal changes,  it the biggest cause of acne vulgaris. Hormones like progesterone, estrogen and testosterone are the primary culprits, similarly, if the level of androgens in the body increase because of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), tumours of the ovaries or adrenal gland, it also causes acne vulgaris. It can also flare up during menstruation, menopause and pregnancy.

Bacteria & clogged pores, The clogged pores fill with an oily  (sebum) substance increased by hormone changes because of which bacteria (propionibacterium acnes) build up on the skin. Excess sebum and bacteria cause painful red bumps and information on the skin.

Low water consumption, As we know, drinking more water is very important for clear and glowing skin. People who drink less water are more likely to develop acne vulgaris, so keep your skin hydrated. In summer, drink at least 10-15 glasses of water a day, and in winter you should drink 7-10 glasses of water.  

Too much steroid use, most skin whitening lotions and creams contain steroids that can cause acne vulgaris.

Stress and anxiety, as we know that stress affects the entire body, the same stress affects the skin, stress and anxiety can affect hormones, and that is why acne appears during stress and in anxiety.

Family history, if there is acne vulgaris in the family history, then the chances are higher than other people who don't have acne vulgaris history in the family.

Staying in make-up for a long time, this is a common problem nowadays, girls who stay in make- up for a long time or girls who use low-quality cosmetics, they suffer from acne vulgaris because the pores close for a long time. It is best to remove make-up after 3 hours.

Unhealthy diet, some people don't agree that some kinds of foods cause acne vulgaris, however, it is been found that people who eat more poultry food, junk food or spicy food are more prone to acne vulgaris. So those who eat green vegetables and fresh fruits can avoid acne vulgaris.

Hygiene factor, this is also an important cause of acne vulgaris, if the skin remains dirty, the pores close, which increases the risk of acne, therefore, special care should keep the skin clean and dry.

 Diagnosis of acne vulgaris, after a physical examination and history the doctor may easily diagnose it, no laboratory investigations are required to diagnose acne, however, in intense acne, Vulgaris laboratory tests to be performed in all patients before treatment and after 4 weeks therapy include complete blood cell count (CBC),  triglycerides,  cholesterol, and liver function studies.

Treatment for acne vulgaris

A dermatologist treats acne by determining the stage and type of lesions, acne vulgaris can be mild, moderate or severe, it is not a curable skin disease; it is treatable; it is important to have the consistency to treat it, as it can take several weeks and sometimes several months. 

 Antibiotics are the mainstay for the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. They may be used topically or orally. Doxycycline, cephalosporin, tetracycline, minocycline and clindamycin are very effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne. 

 Mild acne treatment (comedones, papules, pustules), topical antibiotics cream and lotion mostly used in mild condition or if a patient can't take the medicine orally. We can also use topical erythromycin, tretinoin  0.01% gel and clindamycin phosphate with the combination of benzoyl peroxide topical gel.

In moderate acne vulgaris (pustules, papules),  minocycline 100mg,  doxycycline 100mg tetracycline 500mg, initially with the advice of a dermatologist, we can take these oral antibiotics twice a day for 5-7 days. Remember except  for  erythromycin,  doxycycline, minocycline and tetracycline are contraindicated in pregnancy, 

In severe acne vulgaris,   dermatologist treats the severe acne vulgaris with isotretinoin,(vitamin A derivative) especially the solid facial oedema, sometimes oxygen treatment, derma rollers, and even laser treatments can be used. 

We can treat active acne vulgaris with certain laser and photodynamic therapy. We can consider this when standard treatments are contraindicated or fail. Oral antibiotics, topical lotions, creams and benzoyl peroxide are also used in severe acne condition. 

Precautions 

Along with acne vulgaris treatment, lifestyle modification is also very important, 

• Wash your face at least 3-5 times a day, to avoid clogging your pores. 

• Don't use inferior quality cosmetic products.

• Avoid processed food, a diet high in sugar, soft drinks, etc.

• The skin needs oxygen to repair itself overnight, so at night you should remove the makeup before going to bed.

• Don't touch and don't press the acne repeatedly, as it will make the acne worse.

• Daily exercise is also very beneficial for acne vulgaris, as sweat opens the pores during exercise. 

• Never use cream or lotion for acne vulgaris without a doctor's advice.