Acne vulgaris is a skin disease and is found in men and women alike. Acne includes whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, blackheads, breakouts of lesions, and deeper bumps. It appears on the face, shoulders, back, upper arms, and chest.
Types of acne vulgaris
Inflammatory
- pustules
- papular cysts
- scars
non-inflammatory
- black spots
- white dots
secondary injuries
- scratched spots
- pigmented macules
- Erythematous macules
- scars
- nodules
Causes of acne vulgaris
Hormone levels increase and glands in the skin produce more oil during puberty. These oils help keep the skin moist. When the oil mixes with dead skin cells, acne vulgaris begins. The mixture becomes infected with bacteria and the result is redness, pus-acne and swelling. Sometimes it can be developed by specific medications. In some cases, the hormones pass from the mother to the newborn baby and the baby has acne.
Symptoms of acne vulgaris
It can be associated from mild to severe. Mild acne can cause blackheads and whiteheads, but severe acne can cause various skin pimples. These lesions can leave scars after treatment and these acne are painful. Acne can cause depression and low self-esteem.
Diagnosis
The doctor will perform a physical exam to diagnose acne vulgaris. The health care provider will ask a few questions about the patient’s medical history to determine the type of acne. There is no need for any special tests to diagnose acne.
Treatment
The types of treatment depend on the form of acne, such as mild, moderate, or severe. Treatment may include specific gels or lotions to remove acne from the skin. Sometimes the doctor prescribes oral medications or topical medications.
mild acne
Treatment for mild acne such as blackheads, whiteheads, or whiteheads may include benzoyl peroxide such as Benzac, Clearsil, or Benoxyl or salicylic acid such as Stri-Dex, Clearsil, or Propa pH or gentle cleansing with a mild soap such as Neutrogena or Dove.
Sometimes the doctor will prescribe topical lotions that contain antibiotics or other medications to kill bacteria for best results.
moderate to severe acne
Combinations of medications or therapies will be needed to treat acne vulgaris. The doctor may administer oral antibiotics to begin the healing process. There is a need for a combination of various therapies for inflammatory acne. Treatment may include:
- Drainage of cysts and pimples by a trained health professional.
- Application of prescription retinoids.
- Take prescription oral retinoids.
- Benzoyl peroxide application.
- Laser treatment.
- High intensity light wave therapy.
- Azelaic acid application.
home treatment
Wash the affected skin twice a day.
Do not squeeze the acne and touch it.
Avoid products like cold creams, lip glosses, milky cleansers, that contain oils.
Always use over-the-counter medicated soaps, gels, creams, and lotions to clear acne.
Use only water-based skin care products.
Over-the-counter products include the following to treat acne:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- salicylic acid
- Alpha-hydroxy acid
- tea tree oil
Prevention
- Avoid heavy sweating.
- Wash your face regularly with mild soap and water.
- Avoid hair care products like mousses, gels, and creams.
- Avoid touching affected skin.
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and oils.
- Avoid excessive exposure to the sun’s rays.