Acne Vulgaris: It’s common, but it doesn’t have to be you

At some time during your life, you have probably experienced acne vulgaris, perhaps without even knowing it. What is acne vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris is a very common form of acne, which affects mainly the face, upper chest, and back of an individual. It may take the form of inflamed, red pimples known as papules or red pimples with white centers known as pustules. It may also be characterized by non-inflamed comedones, such as whiteheads or blackheads. In some cases, there will be cysts or pus-filled lumps known as nodules under the skin. Acne vulgaris mainly affects the face, chest, and back because those are the areas with the largest concentration of sebaceous follicles.

There are many factors that can contribute to the formation of acne vulgaris. Excess sebum, which is basically the oil produced in sebaceous follicles, may clog the follicle and also attract bacteria which lead to acne vulgaris.

Hormones may be another contributing factor in acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is very common in teenagers, and medical science points to increase levels of various hormones circulating in the body as a potential cause. Genetics may also play a part in the development of acne vulgaris in some individuals.

Changes in the lipid (fat) composition of the skin have been considered in the development of acne vulgaris. Many individuals with acne vulgaris tend to have very oily skin, and produce excess sebum. The excess sebum may change the lipid level of the epidermis, and being out of balance, may lead to the formation of comedones.

Microscopic organisms may also be to blame for acne vulgaris. An organism referred to as P acnes is a “bug” found in many acne lesions. These bacteria promote inflammation, and in some individuals who are sensitive to it, P acnes may lead to acne vulgaris symptoms.

Medications may also play a part in acne vulgaris. If you begin to suddenly develop pimples, check with your prescriber or pharmacist as to side effects of your medicines. In addition, externally used products, such as hairspray, may lead to clogging of follicles and therefore produce acne vulgaris lesions.

Although it affects 85-100% of the population at one time or another during their lives, and is quite “normal,” acne vulgaris can also cause physical pain and emotional suffering. Acne vulgaris can lead to permanent scarring if left untreated for prolonged periods of time, further exacerbating the damage to one’s self image.

We can all picture a teen we have known with an acne-ridden face. However, it is not only teens who suffer from acne vulgaris. At 25 years old, more than 10% of women and about 5% of men still experience acne vulgaris. By age 45, roughly 5% of both men and women are still experiencing acne vulgaris. (Oddly, more men suffer from acne vulgaris as teenagers, but more women experience acne vulgaris in adulthood.) In addition, newborns may have symptoms of acne vulgaris, theoretically due to hormonal changes that occur once the baby is outside the womb.

If you (or your loved one) have what appears to be acne vulgaris, the best thing you can do is assess its severity, and seek a medical opinion as to what to do. Do not tell yourself “it’s no big deal” if you see several lesions at a time on an ongoing basis. Seek help from your physician or dermatologist, who can get you into a regimen of preventative and healing measures. This will not only help avoid acne vulgaris, but will prevent the scarring and social stigma that accompanies it.