Acne Vulgaris – The Most Common Form of Acne
The word acne, on its own, does not refer just to pimples. Acne is defined as an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, which are glands in the skin of mammals that secrete an oily substance called sebum. This disease creates clogged pores, resulting in the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and in more severe cases - cysts and scarring. Acne Vulgaris usually occurs on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and even the upper arms.
According to experts, acne comes in several different variations. Acne Vulgaris is the most common of them, assaulting primarily adolescents. This form of acne is characterized by lesions, also referred to as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris
Blackheads - Partially blocked pores are created by keratin and modified sebum (oily secretions of the sebaceous gland) in dead skin cells. These substances accumulate in the duct of the sebaceous glands and are exposed to oxygen. This process is what gives the blackhead its color. Due to the blackhead’s stability, it often requires a long time to clear up.
Whiteheads - Completely blocked pores form when the bacteria inside them turn the sebum into free fatty acids. The whitehead differs in color from a blackhead because its contents are blocked by cellular material at the follicle opening. This prevents the whitehead content from reaching oxygen, which would cause discoloration to occur, as with blackheads.
NOTE: One should never squeeze or pick open blackheads or whiteheads. Extraction should be performed by a licensed dermatologist under sterile conditions. Tissue can become injured by squeezing or picking and become infected by staphylococci, streptococci, and other skin bacteria. Picking and touching also aids in the spreading of acne to other areas of the skin.
Papules - Small, solid elevations of the skin are caused by localized cellular reaction to the acne process. Papules don’t contain pus, which distinguishes them from pustules. Papules may occur in clusters or groups and may also be accompanied by a rash. A group of very small papules and micro-comedones may be present, but invisible, and have a "sandpaper" feel to the touch.
Pustules – Larger than papules, generally red and inflamed, these pus-filled spots can be tender to the touch.
Severe Acne Vulgaris
Nodules are large, hard bumps under the skin’s surface. Unlike papules, nodules are characterized by inflammation, extending into the deeper layers of skin and may cause tissue destruction that can result in scarring. A nodule may be very painful.
Cysts are similar to nodules but can be severely inflamed and infected.
Acne Rosacea is a variant of acne that typically causes a reddening of the nose. Rosacea is more common in adults than in teenagers, mostly affecting those who are aged 30 and above. It commonly appears as a red rash, which is normally confined to the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. The redness is often accompanied by bumps and pimples. Tiny, red veins may also become more visible on the skin, creating a spider web appearance. This form of acne rarely produces pimples. These flare-ups can be triggered by certain foods, alcohol, sun or wind exposure, stress, hot baths and even exercise.
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