Acne Vulgaris Pictures

Learn about acne vulgaris. From its causes, triggers, symptoms to its treatment, Dr Lim provides useful self-help tips and the latest medical treatments available. Alternatively, watch Dr Lim’s video on acne vulgaris.

Acne vulgaris or acne is the medical term for pimples. It usually begins in puberty in both sexes when the adrenal glands (which sit on top of the kidneys) and sex organs start producing androgens (male hormones). Acne is most common between the ages of 16 – 18 and becomes less common thereafter. However, about 1 in 5 adults, especially women continue to be troubled by acne, although it is usually less severe.

Acne can be diagnosed clinically and tests are usually unnecessary. In selected cases however, the doctor may order blood tests to exclude excessive hormones, pelvic ultrasound to exclude polycystic ovaries in women or take swabs for bacterial culture.

Patient With Mild To Moderate Acne Vulgaris At Baseline (a), After Four...

Acne vulgaris is treatable and early treatment of inflammatory acne is important to prevent unsightly scars and psychological morbidity. However, treatment may be prolonged, spanning months or even years and relapses are common, especially in adolescents and may require repeated treatments.

Topical retinoids are useful for both inflammatory acne and non-inflammatory comedogenic acne. They can be used alone in combination with the antibiotics. Examples include tretinoin and adapalene. Retinoids prevent the new pimple formation as well as decrease the number of pimples and can be used as maintenance following treatment. It is important to avoid heat and sun exposure while using retinoids because they can increase the sensitivity to sunlight.

Topical antibiotics are useful for mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Examples include erythromycin and clindamycin. Bacterial resistance may occur especially with erythromycin.

Causes And Treatment Of Acne Vulgaris

Benzoyl peroxide is effective for mild acne treatment and there is no risk of it inducing bacterial resistance. It is often combined with oral and local antibiotics in order to reduce the risk of bacterial resistance. Salicylic acid is also useful for treating comedones.

Oral antibiotics are useful for inflammatory acne. Commonly used antibiotics include erythromycin and tetracycline family of antibiotics including minocycline and doxycycline. Erythromycin is preferred in pregnancy, during breat feeding and in children under the age of 11 years. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is used as a third line agent when resistance to erythromycin or tetracycline is suspected or contraindicated. Acne requires 3 – 4 months of treatment. Relapses do occur and if frequent, patients may be continued on topical treatment for a longer duration.

Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is very effective for persistent acne or severe acne that has shown poor response to other treatments. Isotretinoin is particularly effective as it acts against the 4 main causes of acne. Dryness is a common side effects. Pregnancy must be avoided as it causes severe malformation in the fetus. Other common side effects include headaches, muscle pains, gastrointestinal upset, and dryness of eyes and of mucous membranes of nose and mouth, increase in blood lipids (fats) and liver enzymes.

Management Of Acne Vulgaris: What Are Your Treatment Options

Hormonal therapy is also effective in severe form of acne such as cystic acne or nodular acne. Spironolactone, oral contraceptives, and a combination of ethinyl oestradiol and cyproterone acetate are all recommended hormonal therapies for the treatment of acne. Spironolactone decreases production of sebum and improves acne and is mainly reserved for females who cannot use isotretinoin. Oral contraceptives reduce the production of ovarian androgens and treats acne, particularly the nodular one. Estrogen containing oral contraceptives are generally considered for treatment of acne in females with perimenstrual flare-ups or adult-onset acne. Pregnancy should be avoided while using these hormonal therapies, especially with cyproterone owing to its potentially harmful effects on the fetus.Author: Reviewed and updated by Dr Amanda Oakley Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand; Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer; and Clare Morrison, Copy Writer; June 2014.Skin of colour update: Dr Chelsea Jones, Dermatology Research Fellow, The Skin Hospital Westmead NSW, Australia; Dr Monisha Gupta, Dermatologist, Conjoint University of NSW and Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia. July 2021

Acne vulgaris is the common form of acne, characterised by a mixed eruption of inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions (see all the acne types).

Nearly all of us have acne at some time or another. Acne affects both sexes and all races. Although acne mainly affects adolescents, it can affect a wide age range.

A) Patient With Mild Acne Vulgaris In The Right Cheek Of 15 Years Old...

Acne most often affects the face, but it may spread to involve the neck, chest and back, and sometimes even more extensively over the body.

Individual lesions are centred on the pilosebaceous unit, ie the hair follicle and its associated oil gland. Several types of acne spots occur, often at the same time. They may be inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules; or non-inflamed comedones and pseudocysts.

Individual acne lesions usually last less than 2 weeks but the deeper papules and nodules may persist for months. Many acne patients also have oily skin (seborrhoea ).

Acne Vulgaris And It's Management

All characteristic lesions of acne vulgaris can occur in skin of colour, but it usually presents with less discernible redness and more postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (pigmented macules) which persists long after the acne lesion has gone. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is often the major reason for seeking medical attention, causing significant psychological effects.

Pomade acne occurs more commonly in people with skin of colour due to cultural practices with hair styling products in African American and Hispanic populations. The use of greasy hair products leads to follicular plugging and comedones along the hairline.

Some dermatologists assess the severity of a patient's acne more precisely by using a grading scale. The inflammatory lesions are compared with a set of standard photographs to determine the grade, which may be 1 (very mild) to 12 (exceptionally severe) for example.

Top 10 Home Remedies To Prevent Acne Vulgaris

In clinical trials evaluating acne treatment, the numbers of non-inflamed and inflamed lesions are carefully counted at regular intervals. It is remarkably difficult to count consistently.

Treatment for acne depends on the patient's age and sex, the extent and the severity of the acne, how long it has been present, and response to previous treatments.

DermNet does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.Acne vulgaris, the medical term for common acne, can severely impact your self-perception and confidence, whether it’s a severe or mild outbreak. Covering it up with make-up or using the wrong types of treatments can make it worse. Because each case is unique and effective treatments vary, it’s important to get counseling from a dermatology specialist to determine the best acne treatment for your skin. At Dermatology Associates, we provide the highest quality of medical dermatology with personalized treatment plans, personable support, and state-of-the-art equipment. Whether your case is mild or severe, teenage acne or adult acne, we can help you clear up acne breakouts and manage future outbreaks. Schedule an acne appointment today and get the clear skin you’ve always wanted!

Types Of Acne: Acne Vulgaris

Acne can be separated into two types, inflammatory acne and non-inflammatory acne, though each type appears differently depending on how it’s formed and the affected body areas. Non-inflammatory acne is usually less severe and does not cause swelling or discomfort, while Inflammatory acne is typically more severe and can cause acne scars.

While acne is directly caused by an excess of oil, dead skin, and bacteria, different factors can cause or worsen acne, especially the production or sensitivity to the bacteria. This can include any of the following.

There’s no magical cure for acne, no matter how much we may want it. In fact, acne treatment often comes down to trial and error of a combination of treatments to discover the right solution for your unique skin. Having the input of a skincare specialist can help you quickly determine what is and is not working for you. Common treatments include the following.

Acne Vulgaris. Stages Of Development.

Discovering what triggers acne outbreaks for your body can be a long process but well worth it. In general, avoid skincare and make-up products that can cause clogged pores. Instead, look for labels that say “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” Watching what you eat and staying hydrated is also important. Regular exercise can also help combat stress, leading to acne. Just be sure to properly shower afterward and use a light moisturizer if your skin is prone to dryness. If you already suffer from acne scard, cosmetic dermatology treatments, such as microdermabrasion and laser treatments, can be effective as acne scar treatment to improve the appearance of scars on the spots have been managed. Contact our dermatology associates today to learn more!