Acne vulgaris is a general term for any skin condition where pimples, blackheads, or simply “acne” appear. You may control your acne using over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, prescription medications, and lifestyle modifications.
The majority of us have experienced abrupt pimple or blackhead emergencies or even flare-ups at some time.
Blackheads and pimples are merely two signs of the general inflammatory illness known in the medical community as “acne vulgaris.” The more popular term for it is just acne.
With 40 to 50 million Americans suffering with acne of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, it is the most prevalent skin condition in the country.
Symptoms
The blocking of the skin’s hair follicles causes acne. Skin cells or oil are often involved in this obstruction. One or more of the following signs may be present:
- Whiteheads are blocked, closed pores.
- Blackheads are blocked pores that are open.
- Papules are irritable red lumps.
- Pus-filled bumps called pustules
- Nodules and cystic lesions are painful nodules under the skin.
These breakouts could not only affect the face. They might also happen on the:
- Back
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Chest
What It Seems
On your skin, acne may take many distinct shapes. The most typical forms of acne lesions are shown in the following pictures.
Causes
It’s critical to avoid taking responsibility for acne. Most of the time, the old wives’ stories like chocolate, greasy french fries, or filthy skin causing acne are untrue.
Instead, a complicated situation is unfolding. Your skin’s oil glands at the ends of hair follicles may be hyperactive, which is often brought on by hormonal fluctuations. As a result of blocked pores, irritation develops.
This is the reason why so many youngsters get acne breakouts, particularly throughout puberty. However, acne may strike at any age.
Before their menstruation, some women also have acne flare-ups. Birth control pills could make this easier to handle.
Treatments
Acne treatment and prevention, as well as scar prevention, are the therapy’s objectives.
Nonprescription Medicines
The first option to think about is treating acne at home using widely available over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This may only work for extremely mild acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide, an antibacterial agent, is a well-known acne therapy. This is why it’s a wise decision:
- Benzoyl peroxide poses little threat of bacterial resistance.
- The chance of bacterial resistance is decreased by adding benzoyl peroxide to antibiotic treatment.
- There are gels, cleansers, and spot treatments available. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, it comes in a variety of concentrations.
- It is inexpensive and simple to locate at many shops.
- It acts to eliminate pore clogging microorganisms from under the skin.
- It works well to treat inflammatory acne, which causes those red pimples.
When not to do it is as follows:
- For whiteheads and blackheads, it is less effective.
- The most severe kind of acne, nodulocystic acne, cannot be treated with it. Dermatologists should be consulted for nodulocystic acne.
Additional over-the-counter medicines
Adapalene (Differin), a topical retinoid, is an additional choice. This is the most significant treatment for acne and is used to stop all forms of acne lesions.
Mild acne may also be treated with salicylic acid.
Prescribed Medications
You may need to consult a dermatologist if your case of acne is more severe. The following are examples of prescription therapies:
For more severe and pervasive acne, your doctor can recommend topical or oral antibiotics.
In addition, more severe nodules and cysts, acne that leaves scars, and acne that does not respond to standard therapies may also need the prescription of oral isotretinoin (Accutane). Approximately 85% of persons who take this medication for one course see a permanent clearance of their acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Female patients may be given birth control tablets together with an antibiotic or a medication called spironolactone (off-label therapy for acne).
When beginning additional therapies, such as oral isotretinoin, an oral steroid, such as prednisone, may be administered in the event of a very severe flare-up.
Alterations In Way Of Life
You may be interested in adding some lifestyle modifications to your topical or oral medication regimen. Here are some things to remember:
Don’t expose yourself to the sun. Numerous acne medicines can make you more sensitive to the sun and raise your risk of getting a sunburn.
Don’t choose. Avoid touching or picking at any acne lesions. Scarring may occur if you pick at your acne vulgaris.
Exercise. Getting some exercise is a terrific method to reduce stress.
Avoid foods that might aggravate acne. There is evidence to indicate that meals with a high glycemic index and cow’s milk may make acne worse.
Managing Acne Vulgaris
A person’s mental health might be impacted by acne. True, stigma exists now. Some possible impacts include poor self-esteem, anxiety, and sadness.
If you’re a parent and your kid has acne, you may assist them by providing both the emotional and physical treatments mentioned above.
Feel for them while assisting them in receiving the necessary medical care.
Reach out to a mental health professional if acne is making you or a member of your family feel depressed or anxious. They may provide more focused therapies and coping mechanisms.
Conclusion
Most bouts of acne are temporary, but if an outbreak worsens, don’t be afraid to contact a dermatologist. To treat and prevent acne vulgaris, there are many therapies available.