Important information about acne vulgaris - A skin condition you can control, if you know the symptoms!

Acne Vulgaris is a skin condition characterized cysts, lesions, and inflamed swelling. Acne vulgaris most often occurs in puberty and will sometimes persist until the 20’s or 30’s. Quite often in appears in babies with the most common places being the face, back, and chest. In a lot of cases pain, soreness, and itching may occur with scarring and red areas being very noticeable. The most noticeable symptom is opened and closed comedones which contain a thick milk-like material. Blackheads and whiteheads are formed when the protein know as keratin plugs the hair follicles, since the sebum (oil) secreted by the sebaceous glands continues to accumulate. This causes the follicle to swell, which may allow bacteria to enter and cause local infections (pimples,zits).The pimples will sometimes enlarge and form cyst, which is a more serious skin condition. The cause of acne vulgaris is unknown. Vulgaris is a skin condition where androgens (hormones) tend to trigger in those predisposed. Acne formation is initiated by irritation caused by inflammatory fatty acids within the plugged follicles. People with acne vulgaris should avoid touching the infected areas. Diet does not seem to play a role in treatment of vulgaris. Benzoyl peroxide is a very effective medication when dealing with this skin condition. The strength of Benzoyl peroxide is not important; however the lower concentrations are less irritating. Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin (cleocin), erythromycin gel and oral antibiotics such as tetracycline, erythromycin, and minocycline all work well. Accutane is sometimes used but should only be taken under the care of a dermatologist.