Acne Vulgaris treatment is one that requires lot of attention because it is a fairly common skin condition faced by Americans. While 60-70 % of US citizens suffer from Acne Vulgaris, almost 20 % of these folks have severe acne. But before attempting to know about the various treatment methods, it is necessary to understand the development, signs and symptoms of this problem.

Development of Acne Vulgaris

• The development of acne is dependent upon a variety of different factors.
• The initial trigger is considered to be the androgen hormones.
• The sebaceous glands in the skin are provided with receptors that respond to these androgen hormones.
• The reaction towards these hormones is production and secretion of sebum and also proliferation of the follicular cells at a rapid rate.
• Finally these factors lead to the development of Acne Vulgaris, when the pores get blocked and there is subsequent infection with the P.acnes bacteria.

Signs and Symptoms of Acne Vulgaris

The clinical picture of Acne Vulgaris can differ according to the severity of the problem.

• Mild acne does not involve any inflammation of the skin and is characterized by small comedones, blackheads and military eruptions (white heads).
• Though there is no redness or pain in mild acne; the skin loses its natural smoothness and feels as rough to touch as sandpaper.
• When mild acne is not treated in time; it can progress to moderate or sever cases and the inflammation now takes over.
• In addition to the non-inflammatory eruptions mentioned above; folks also suffer from painful and red pustules, papules and cysts.
• Cystic Acne is the most severe case of acne and covers large areas of the skin. It is extremely painful and can even scar the skin.
• Acne with facial edema is the final stage when the problem is left without medical attention and gets complicated.

Different Modes of Treatment of Acne

• The mode of treatment differs according to severity and the usual categories are topical treatment, systemic treatment and non-invasive and invasive surgical treatments.
• Benzoyl peroxide is the most common ingredient that is found in almost all of the anti-acne lotions, ointments, face washes and creams and is the most preferred mode of topical treatment.
• Systemic therapy constitutes many medications like antibiotics, hormonal therapy, retinoids etc.
• Laser treatment, light therapy (PDT), local injections, manual removal and peeling of the superficial layer of the skin etc are  some of the surgical treatment methods.

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