Acne Vulgaris

What is Acne Vulgaris

Acne Vulgaris is a self-limited disorder primarily of teenagers and young adults, although perhaps 10 to 20 % of adults may continue to experience some form of the disorder. The permissive factor for the expression of the disease in adolescence is the increase in sebum release by sebaceous glands after puberty. Small cysts, called comedones, form in hair follicles due to blockage of the follicular orifice by retention of sebum and keratinous material.

The clinical hallmark of Acne Vulgaris is the comedone, which may be closed (whitehead) or open (blackhead). Closed comedones appear as 1 to 2 mm pebbly white papules, which rarely results in inflammatory acne lesions, have a large dilated follicular orifice and are filled with easily expressible oxidized, darkned, oily debris.

Acne Vulgaris are usually accompanied by inflammatory lesions, papules, pustules, or nodules. Treatment of Acne Vulgaris (Pimples)

To prevent acne, use a mild, oil-free soap that does not dry out the skin and clean your face twice a day and after heavy physical exertion. Do not, however, wash your skin excessively as this will cause skin to dry out and cause more pimples to form.
Shampoo hair daily to keep oils from building up, and keep hair out of your face as much as possible.
Try not to touch pimples or any area of the face with your hands or fingers, which may be oily or dirty.
Use water-based, oil-free cosmetics and lotions on your face, and be sure to remove any make-up before going to bed at night.
Consult with a physician if acne persists. In most cases, insurance companies now regard acne as a true medical condition and not just a cosmetic one. This very common skin disorder, while embarrassing, can be treated very easily. Many suffer from acne, and there is no reason to.