Acne Vulgaris (Acne Scar)

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. It affects 80% to 85% of teenagers and young adults, with estimated prevalence of 8% in adult in aged 25 to 34 years and 3% in those between 35 to 44 years of age.

While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. Acne can last for years and cause both physical and psychological scarring. In a study on quality of life issues, acne had a great impact on social functioning and emotional wellbeing.

Acne can be treated with topical cream/gel, oral antibiotics, isotretinoin tablets, laser/light treatments above. Besides, different types of acne scars can be reduced by various treatment options include laser treatment provided. Treatments are also available for open pores.

The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris", meaning "common acne." Many teenagers get this type of acne. Excessive secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands accompanies the plugging of the pores with naturally occurring dead skin cells (corneocytes) blocking hair follicles. The accumulation of these corneocytes in the duct appears to be due to a failure of the normal keratinization process in the skin which usually leads to shedding of skin cells lining the pores. Oil secretions are said to build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and the lipophilic (oil/lipid-loving) yeast Malassezia[citation needed] to multiply uncontrollably. Under the microscope, however, there is no evidence of pooled trapped sebum.[original research?] Indeed the oil percolates through the plugged duct onto the surface.[citation needed] In response to the bacterial and yeast populations, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion.

The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne as well. The upper arms can also have acne, but lesions found there are often keratosis pilaris, not acne. The typical acne lesions are: comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and inflammatory cysts known as cystic acne, one of the more severe forms. These are more inflamed and pus-filled or reddish bumps, that can easily lead to scarring or serious infections. Non-inflamed sebaceous cysts, more properly called epidermoid cysts, occur either in association with acne or alone but are not a constant feature. After resolution of acne lesions, prominent unsightly scars may remain.

Tag: Acne, Acne Scar, Skin, Treatment, Diseases, Cream, Laser, Psychological, Acne Vulgaris