Acne Vulgaris
When the hair follicles become clogged on your skin with dead cells and oil, it gives rise to a skin disorder known as acne vulgaris. It often results in blackheads, pimples, or whiteheads. Nevertheless, it may affect anybody regardless of age.
Although there are effective treatments for acne, the condition may persist. The pimples and lumps heal slowly, depending on their cause and treatment methods. Depending on how severe it is, acne can leave physical scars and create emotional discomfort. The earlier you begin therapy, the lesser your likelihood of developing such issues.
Types of acne vulgaris
Following are the different types of acne vulgaris one may experience:
• Comedones
A hair follicle blocked with oil and dead skin cells causes a comedo or acne lesion. Comedones can grow into white and blackheads and lumps on the skin.
• Papules
Comedones, known as papules, swell up and give rise to tiny pink or red lumps on the skin. It could often be touch-sensitive. Squeezing and picking the area can cause irritation and scarring.
• Pustules
Pustules are whitehead-like lumps with a red ring surrounding them. Usually, pus in the form of yellow or white colour fills the bump.
• Cysts
Cysts are pus-filled large lesions that look like boils. Similar to nodules, the acute vulgaris could be painful and need to be treated by a skin specialist as it scars severely.
• Nodules
Large, swollen pimples that feel firm when touched are known as nodules. They frequently cause discomfort and develop far into the skin.
• Whiteheads
Whiteheads remain sealed at the skin’s surface. It occurs when blocked hair follicles cannot open because of skin cells and oil.
Symptoms of acne vulgaris
Various acne vulgaris symptoms that range in intensity from moderate to severe can be associated with acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris’s most typical signs and symptoms include:
• Blackheads and whiteheads
These tiny, dark-coloured lumps develop when oil and dead skin cells obstruct hair follicles. Small, flesh-coloured, or white pimples called “whiteheads” appear on the skin when oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles.
• Pimples
These lumps are uncomfortable when touched and are red and inflamed. Pimples develop when bacteria attack hair follicles.
• Cysts
Large, uncomfortable, pus-filled lumps like this can develop deep within the skin. Cysts develop when an infection in the hair follicle penetrates the skin deeply.
• Scarring
Scarring from severe acne can be disfiguring and necessitate medical attention.
• Redness and swelling
Acne can result in the afflicted region being red and swollen, which can be unpleasant and painful.
Acne vulgaris treatment
The severity of the problem and the kind of acne will determine the course of treatment for acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris treatment includes:
• Topical treatments
These acne topical treatment products are topical gels, creams, and lotions. They include salicylic acid, retinoids, or benzoyl peroxide, which can help clear clogged pores and lessen irritation.
• Oral medications
A doctor could suggest antibiotics like tetracycline or erythromycin to help lessen inflammation and fight off germs that might cause acne. Other drugs, such as isotretinoin, may be administered for severe or cystic acne.
• Lifestyle changes
Acne may be avoided by making simple lifestyle adjustments like wearing skin-tight clothes and cleaning one’s face twice daily with a mild cleanser.
Conclusion
Most cases of acne are temporary, but if an outbreak worsens, don’t hesitate to contact a dermatologist. To treat and prevent acne, there are many therapies available that can be a huge relief for you.
Medical professionals at Ova can help you curate personalised treatment discreetly and affordably if you want effective acne treatment.
FAQs related to acne vulgaris
1. What are the 4 stages of acne vulgaris?
The four acne vulgaris stages include:
- Mild acne vulgaris like whiteheads and blackheads
- Moderate acne, like pimples and mild papules.
- Severe acne vulgaris, like numerous nodules and papules.
- Very severe acne-like cysts and nodules.
2. What ingredients should you look for in acne creams?
When looking for an OTC acne vulgaris cream, choose the one with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, tea tree oil, etc.
3. How long does acne last?
Acne usually lasts for about three to seven days. Depending on the treatment, severe forms could take a few weeks to go away.
4. What is the leading cause of acne vulgaris?
There could be different causes of acne vulgaris, like hormonal issues, genetics, bacteria, diet, or environmental factors.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.