Acne vulgaris, or acne, is a type of skin disease, which occurs with clogging up of pores by oil and dead skin cells. Some people describe it as blackheads, blemishes, whiteheads, pimples, or zits. In medical term acne vulgaris occurs with the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and/or cysts by the obstructed and inflamed pilosebaceous units (hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous gland). It mostly affects the adolescents.

You may have a mild form of acne with just a few red spots, or pimples. By severe acne we mean hundreds of pimples covering the face, neck, chest, and back. Severe acne may be bigger, solid and red lumps which are very painful. Many young persons may have at least mild acne which usually gets better after the teen years. Acne can exist in many adult women before their menstrual periods.

Your feeling about acne may not necessarily depend upon how bad it can be. Some people are least bothered about severe acne they have while others feel embarrassed and upset even as they may have only a few pimples.

However, there are many good treatments that can bring acne under control.

What causes acne vulgaris?

Acne occurs when skin pores are clogged by oil and dead skin cells. The entry of germs into the pores results in swelling, redness and pus.

Acne in many people starts during the teen years because of hormonal changes that turn the skin oilier after start of puberty.

Chocolate or greasy foods may give you acne. But you may worsen your condition if you use oily skin products, which may clog your pores.

Acne can run in families. In case one of your parents had severe acne, you are more likely to inherit it.

What are the symptoms?

Whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples are some of the symptoms of acne that may affect your face, neck, shoulders, back, or chest. Large and deep pimples, which are known as cystic lesions, may be very painful if they are infected. The skin may also get scar as a result.

Acne vulgaris treatment

Treatment largely depends upon the severity of the disorder. Sometimes your doctors will prescribe combination of treatments to achieve the best results and check the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

The treatment may include application of lotions or gel on blemishes or sometimes-entire areas of the skin like chest or back). You may also be advised to take oral medications.

Before you seek any treatment, you will need to keep your skin clean. Don't use skin products, which may harm your skin by clogging your pores. Rather look for the products with label mentioning "noncomedogenic".

Mild acne

Treatment for mild acne as in case of whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples may include:

Gentle cleansing with the use of an acne wash or gentle soap like Dove or Neutrogena. Wash your skin once or twice a day. Avoid scrubbing or picking at your pimples because this may worsen the condition and leave scars.

Application of benzoyl peroxide (for example Benoxyl, Benzac, or Clearasil).

Application of salicylic acid like Clearasil, Propa pH, or Stri-Dex).

In case you did not get desired effects from such treatments, you would better visit your doctor, who may prescribe stronger lotions or creams. You may also have an option of trying an antibiotic lotion or a lotion with medicine for unplugging your pores.

Moderate to severe acne

Sometimes stronger medications or a combination of therapies are needed for effective treatment of acne. Scars are likely to develop due to deeper blemishes like nodules and cysts. In such a case your doctor may think of prescribing oral antibiotics to begin the process of healing. Treatment for inflammatory acne may necessitate a combination of several therapies. The treatment for moderate to severe acne may consist of the following:

Application of benzoyl peroxide.

Draining of large pimples and cysts with the help of a health professional.

Applying prescribed antibiotic gels, creams, or lotions.

Applying prescribed retinoids.

Application of azelaic acid.

Taking prescribed oral antibiotics.

Taking prescribed oral retinoids like Accutane.

Treatment for acne scars

Sometimes a combination of treatments is advised for best results. These treatments include:

Collagen injections to smoothen the skin with plumping it under the scar.

Dermabrasion with the use of a whirling wire brush for skimming off the scar tissue.

Laser resurfacing with the help of a well-controlled laser for burning away scar tissue.

Chemabrasion with the use of chemicals for peeling away top layers of skin. This is one of the useful way to get rid of acne scars.