Acne vulgaris is a skin condition caused by the clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil (sebum). Blocked follicles are the source of skin blemishes such as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. Hormones, also known as ordinary acne, are one of the main culprits, particularly around puberty.
Acne vulgaris is thought to impact 50 million people in the United States. Acne affects about 85% of teenagers, although it can afflict anyone at any age, with many cases lasting well into adulthood. Acne most commonly affects the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Symptoms might range from minor to severe.
You probably have less than 20 blackheads or whiteheads if you have mild acne. Whiteheads are little flesh-colored or whitish blemishes with a dark center, whereas blackheads are dark-colored imperfections. Round pimples inflammatory whiteheads on the skin, are another possibility.
There will be more blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples if you have moderate acne. Widespread blemishes with nodules or cysts, which are larger and more solid than pimples, are signs of severe acne. Pimples are less painful than nodules and cysts.
Causes
Hormones, oil, and bacteria all have a role in the development of acne vulgaris. During puberty, androgen levels rise, and the sebaceous glands generate more sebum, an oily material. Sebum and dead skin cells usually come up through the hair follicles and exit the skin through the pores. Acne occurs when sebum, skin cells, and bacteria clog the follicles, preventing the sebum from escaping via the pores.
As you hit early adulthood, your hormone levels may drop to the point where acne begins to fade. Acne may persist into their 40s for roughly 40% of women due to hormonal changes and other factors, such as:
- Changes in hormones during pregnancy or the menstrual period
- Several medicines
- Cosmetics and lotions of a certain type
- Sweating due to high humidity
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Diagnosis
The majority of the time, you’ll be able to tell if you have acne. If you have acne regularly, however, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to suggest medication such as zithromax. They can examine your imperfections to ensure that your issue is acne and not something else, such as rosacea.
Your healthcare practitioner can help you choose a treatment based on the cause and whether your acne is mild, moderate, or severe once you’ve been diagnosed.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of your acne, your doctor may recommend one treatment or a mix of treatments. Mild acne can be treated with an over-the-counter topical treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in creams, gels, and washes.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) acne products contain benzoyl peroxide, which targets the bacteria that cause acne. Salicylic acid reduces irritation and clears clogged pores.
- Both over-the-counter and prescription retinoids are available. They aid in the removal of whiteheads and blackheads as well as the prevention of clogged pores.
- Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline, azithromycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline are commonly used to treat moderate acne. Your doctor may recommend that you take one of these together with a topical treatment for about 12 weeks, then stop taking the oral drug to determine if your acne can be controlled with only the topical treatment.
Acne vulgaris is a bothersome condition, but it is curable. Treatment may take several weeks or even months to see results, but your healthcare professional will work with you to discover a treatment that works for you.
