What Is The Main Cause Of Acne Vulgaris?

When oil, dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria clog hair follicles, acne vulgaris develops (sebum). This causes the skin to be riddled with imperfections such as blackheads, pimples, whiteheads, and cystic acne. Acne vulgaris, also known as typical acne, is one of the most common skin conditions, particularly during puberty.

Roughly fifty million people in the USA are estimated to suffer from acne vulgaris. Many adults suffer from acne, with about 85% of those affected being teenagers, but it can affect anyone. 

Symptoms Of Acne Vulgaris

The presence of hormones, oil, and bacteria all work together to bring about acne vulgaris. Androgen levels rise during puberty, which is also accompanied by an increase in the production of the oily material sebum by the sebaceous glands. In a normal situation, dead skin cells and sebum will rise to the skin’s surface via the hair follicles and exit the body via the pores. Acne is caused when the follicles are clogged with sebum, skin cells, and bacteria, which prevents sebum from escaping through the pores and causing acne. 

It is possible that as you enter your adult years, those hormones will begin to decrease to the point where acne will start to clear up. Due to hormonal shifts and other factors, acne may persist into a woman’s forties for approximately forty percent of all women. These factors include:

• Elevated humidity and sweating
• Certain medications
• Changes in hormones during pregnancy or the menstrual cycle
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Some lotions and cosmetics
• Picking at sores caused by acne
• Clothing such as headgear, such as hats and helmets for sports
• Environmental pollution
• Stress, which causes an upsurge in cortisol levels, can also induce acne to become more severe

How To Identify Acne Vulgaris?

When you have acne, you will almost always be able to tell by looking at your skin. However, if acne is something you struggle with consistency, it is in your best interest to book an appointment with a dermatologist. They can examine your blemishes to determine whether or not your circumstance is acne rather than rosacea or another condition with similar symptoms.

Once the condition has been pinpointed, your doctor can assist you in selecting a treatment that is appropriate for the underlying cause and the severity of your acne.

Types Of Acne Vulgaris

Acne Vulgaris can manifest in a few different ways. They are as follows:

1. Blackheads are open bumps on the skin that become clogged with excess oil and dead skin. Blackheads are also known as comedones. The node may have the appearance of having dirt deposited in it, but an unusual light reflection causes the dark spots of the blocked-up follicle. This gives the bump its appearance.
2. Whiteheads are bumps on the skin kept closed by oil and dead skin buildup.
3. Papules are defined as small bumps that can be pink or red and become inflamed.
4. Pustules are pimples containing pus. They resemble whiteheads that are encircled by red rings in appearance. If you pick or scratch it, they have the potential to leave scars.
5. Pityrosporum folliculitis, also known as fungal acne, is a type of acne that develops when there is an overgrowth of yeast in the hair strands. They have the potential to become inflamed and itchy.
6. Nodules are lumpy acne lesions that are located deep in the skin. They are cumbersome and excruciating.
7. Cysts are essentially pus-filled pimples. Scarring may result from these.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Vulgaris?

Acne Vulgaris is so widespread that there are so many queries about it, and here are some of them:

Why do most teenagers experience Acne Vulgaris?

An increase in the hormones known as androgens, testosterone, is one of the factors that can lead to acne. This phenomenon occurs in both men and women. The highest levels of these hormones typically characterize the teenage years.

Does Acne Vulgaris cause scars?

Scarring can occasionally be a consequence of acne. This occurs when acne is severe enough to penetrate the skin and cause damage to the deeper layers. The pores that are affected by acne swell due to inflammation, and this causes the wall of the pore to break down. Naturally, scarring can cause stress, which is a perfectly normal reaction. However, for it to be treated, your medical practitioner will first identify the type of acne that resulted in the scarring.

There are many different courses of treatment that can be pursued. Acne scars can be treated with various procedures, including chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, microneedling, and surgery.

Do some foods cause Acne Vulgaris?

Acne is caused by hormonal shifts in the body almost entirely. Although some evidence suggests that diets high in sugar, skim milk, and whey protein may cause acne breakouts, experts disagree on whether or not this is the case.

Inflammation can be mitigated by consuming a nutritionally sound diet and abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables, notably those high in vitamin C and beta carotene. Additionally, there is some evidence that consuming fish can be beneficial.

Is my skin not clean enough if I have Acne Vulgaris?

Certainly not in every case. You can exacerbate acne by scrubbing your face too vigorously, or using astringents containing alcohol can cause your skin to dry. Hormones cause acne to break out, and while gentle, consistent cleansing with warm water and soap could sometimes help with mild breakouts, treating more severe acne requires more than just hygienic practices alone.

Treatments For Acne Vulgaris

That depends on various factors, including age, gender, extreme acne, and how long you’ve had it. There are numerous alternatives.

Many dermatologists will begin treating mild to moderate acne with a topical cream or gel comprising either a retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, or topical antibiotic. An oral antibiotic might be added if the acne becomes more inflamed. Women may be stipulated birth control pills or the water pill spironolactone, which also blocks male hormones, for more severe cases of acne. Additionally, they may recommend clascoterone (Winlevi), a recently approved topical medication that functions similarly to spironolactone but only as an ointment.

Isotretinoin is a highly effective medication that can be used to treat severe cases of acne. However, you must register with the FDA for monthly side effects and blood abnormality monitoring to get a prescription. Additionally, a variety of light or photodynamic treatments are available.

Takeaway

If acne vulgaris is a consistent persistence in your daily living despite doing all you can to avoid it, you might need help. Here at High Life Integrative Medicine, we are experts at handling skin-related conditions through our services, so contact us anytime if acne vulgaris troubles you!