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Although it is not widely known, acne vulgaris is the most
common type of acne. It is found on the face and upper trunk
and blackheads are the primary lesion found in this type of
acne. It affects over most teens from 11 to 12 years old (onset
of puberty) until late teens and early twenties. It’s
now thought to be largely genetic although as with other forums
of acne; it is caused by clogged pores, in this case, dealing
with hair follicles.
Like other forms of acne, Acne vulgaris is caused by skin
secreting too much oil combined with dead skin cells which
together forms bacteria. If this is not taken care of, the
oil in the skin will get greater and greater and become inflamed
and infected. That is when you see the bright red shiny lesions.
In this case, the acne vulgaris can become so inflamed that
scarring can occur in severe cases.
Although it’s widely believed that heredity plays a
part, like other forms of acne, acne vulgaris is affected
by hormones, diet and stress. Contrary to old wives tales,
specific foods as well as poor hygiene and excessive sex does
not cause acne vulgaris.
Treated similarly to facial or body acne, acne
vulgaris treatment can be with benzoyl peroxide, sulpha
drugs, antibiotic cream and vitamin A, E, Selenium and Zinc.
Also, Retin-A and Salicylic Acid has shown to be able to help
combat this type of acne. And what is very important particularly
with acne vulgaris is to remember to only use one form of
treatment for 3 months. After that period of time, change
your medication regimen. Using interval medication like this
seems to be the most effective treatment against acne vulgaris.
One of the most modern treatments for acne vulgaris is microdermabrasion.
This is a very simple, non painful procedure where layers
of dead skin are taken off the skin area. Although this is
primarily used for cosmetic purposes, this is becoming more
widely known to treat conditions such as acne vulgaris and
is a safe and simple procedure.
Most importantly, remember you are not alone. Acne vulgaris
afflicts nearly 90% of teens and over half of people over
the age of 25. It is not racially biased, because men and
women of all colors and creeds are affected equally, although
the incidence of acne vulgaris is much less in nonwesternized
cultures. Many attribute that to diet.
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