Acne Vulgaris - What is It?

Are you one of over 85% of people who will experience Acne Vulgaris in their lifetime. If you have ever had a pimple then you are already one of that percentage.

Although you may not have heard it by such a medical name, Acne Vulgaris is a skin disease affecting areas of the skin where oil glands and follicles are the most dense. Areas most affected by acne include facial acne, the chest and back acne. In most people a pimple = Acne Vulgaris.

Do you have Acne Vulgaris?

If you suffer from just a few red spots, whiteheads or pimples then you are suffering from mild acne. Normally starting in teenage years, it is possible for acne to continue into adulthood.

Severe forms of acne can cause large areas of painful, raised and inflamed pimples which can cause scarring. In severe acne it is possible for the entire face, back or chest to be covered, and can even result in acne cysts.

What causes Acne?

Acne is caused by a number of factors. Generally acne pimples begin by oil, dead skin cells and dirt clogging up pores. Problems arise when bacteria or infection make their way into the follicle resulting in inflammation and more severe infections. Families may also be predisposed to acne, if a parent had severe acne, their children may be more likely to be afflicted.

Symptoms of Acne Vulgaris.

Symptoms of acne include whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Generally these occur on the face, shoulders, chest and neck. Severe symptoms include large and deep acne cystic lesions. These are painful easily infected and can cause scarring.

Treating Acne

There are many treatments for acne, and the treatment solution you chose depends greatly on the type of acne and severity. There are lots of great resources for acne treatment ideas: