What Is Acne Vulgaris? - Causes And Treatment

Your skin has tiny pores that can be clogged by bacteria, oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. If this happens, you may develop a pimple. But if it continuously occurs, then you may have acne vulgaris. Acne is a very common skin disease that affects a lot of people worldwide. In this article, we will know what acne vulgaris is, its causes, and treatment, as well as ways on how to prevent it.

Acne Vulgaris Definition

Acne is very common in teenagers, and it is a skin condition wherein the hair follicles in your face, forehead, upper back, shoulders, or chest are plugged with dead skin cells and oil. Acne often causes blackheads, pimples, or whiteheads. Acne vulgaris occurs when there is an inflammation or obstruction of pilosebaceous units resulting in the formation of papules, comedones, nodules, pustules, or cysts on the face or upper trunk.

Acne Vulgaris Causes

As mentioned above, the common causes of acne are dead skin, oil, and bacteria being blocked in the pores of your skin. It is worth noting that your pores have opened to a follicle- made of hair and oil glands. The oil gland produces oil that travels to the hair and the pore and onto the skin. It keeps your skin soft and lubricated. However, the lubrication process may cause acne such as when dead skin cells are already accumulated in your pores, bacteria are build up in your pores, or your follicles produce too much oil.

Various risk factors may contribute to the development of acne. These factors include;

• Certain medications such as corticosteroids or birth control polls
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or puberty
• Diet rich in carbohydrates or refined sugars, such as chips and bread
• Parents who have acne

Anyway, acne is very common during puberty due to a lot of hormonal changes happening in your body. These changes can increase oil production, which can lead to acne formation. Acne due to hormonal changes during puberty may most likely subside during adulthood.

Acne Vulgaris Treatment

A wide range of over-the-counter treatments are available in drugstores and pharmacies such as creams, pads, gels, soaps, and lotions. Most acne treatments are topical that can be applied directly to the affected area.

Most of the active ingredients found in products for acne contain resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, Retin-A, and azelaic acid. But before you should start putting something to your acne, it is best to ask help from a doctor. Not all acne products can cure your skin problem. Some of these might worsen your condition, especially if your skin is too sensitive to a certain treatment.

You can also use a more natural way to treat this kind of skin condition such as the following;

1. You should avoid touching your face as it might be full of bacteria and may transfer to your skin.
2. If you are shaving, you should use safety razors either with an electric shaver or a sharp blade.
3. You should remember not to burst your pimple as it will make you more at risk of infection.
4. You should wear loose clothing, especially in areas affected by acne.
5. Before you sleep, it is important to remove your make up as it may trigger an outbreak.
6. Wash your face more than twice a day.
7. Keep your hair clean.
8. Avoid exposure to the sun as it might lead to an increase in the production of sebum.

Acne Vulgaris Prevention

Pimples may appear anywhere, but it mostly occurs on the face. Here are the things that you can do to prevent acne;

1. Wash your face properly.
2. Know your skin type before using any skincare products.
3. Moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated.
4. Keep yourself hydrated, such as by drinking plenty of water every day.
5. Limit your makeup use, especially if you already have pimples.
6. Avoid touching your face, especially if your hands are dirty.
7. Never pop your pimples.
8. Limit your exposure to sunlight.
9. Try using tea tree oil.
10. Use antibiotics as recommended by your doctor.

Conclusion

Acne is very common, especially during adolescence. But it is mainly due to the blockage of pores due to dirt, bacteria, and oil. There are many natural remedies to treat acne where you can try and see the results. But if it is not effective, then it is best to seek help from your dermatologist.