Causes of acne vulgaris: puberty. Should you get tested if you have acne? Course of the disease and complications of rosacea

Formations on the human skin are most often harmless. But there are cases when the body is affected by serious pathologies accompanied by rashes. Acne vulgaris is one such disease. This is a chronic inflammation of the hair follicle. The pathology causes seborrhea, the appearance of comedones, inflamed pimples, scars on the skin and even abscesses. Treatment of acne vulgaris takes place under the close supervision of a doctor. Any wrong action can trigger the development of the disease.

How common is the disease in the modern world?

The pathology may have a latent form. That is, it is present in the body, but does not show any special signs. Small pimples and comedones regularly appear on the skin, which many people simply do not pay attention to. This fact greatly affects the statistics. As a rule, only 20% of people with this disease in their bodies turn to doctors for help. And almost every fourth person has it.

This is not critical, since in this state the disease cannot lead to major health problems or, especially, to death. But you need to understand that any external or internal factor can trigger the activation of pathology. In this case, treating acne will be much more difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to go to the hospital for help as soon as you see any growths on the skin. Even small blackheads can be a symptom of the onset of acne vulgaris in your body.

Who is most often affected by the disease?

Like other types of skin rashes, acne vulgaris most often occurs in young people during adolescence. Moreover, given that the female body develops faster, in girls this moment occurs a little earlier. Usually at about 13 years old for girls and at 14-15 years old for boys.

The pathology remains in the body for an average of 21-24 years. That is, most of the rashes disappear by the age of 18, but inflammation of the hair follicles and skin is still present. Thus, any external irritant can cause a profuse rash all over the skin.

Identifying acne vulgaris in a teenager is quite simple. It primarily manifests itself in a large number of comedones in the middle part of the face. The skin becomes oily, blackheads appear on the nose and forehead.

It is highly not recommended to squeeze out such formations yourself. Firstly, this will not give any result. Some of the contamination will still remain in the sebaceous canal, since it is simply impossible to squeeze out all the contents. And secondly, you risk contracting an infectious disease, as the skin is damaged. The protective part of the epidermis at the site of extrusion does not function, which facilitates the penetration of various microbes into the body, including harmful ones. Here we recommend paying attention to the ones that do a good job of cleaning the skin pores from dirt.

The appearance of acne vulgaris and common comedones in teenage girls indicates the approach of the menstrual period. Rashes can appear on the face a year before the first menstrual cycle.

Causes of acne vulgaris

In adolescents, such formations are explained by hormonal imbalances due to puberty, as well as increased production of steroids. These are natural processes that cannot be avoided. Therefore the main reasons are:

• An increase in the amount of sebaceous secretion secreted by the glands. This is explained primarily by androgens produced by the youthful body. Moreover, the process is equally common among both boys and girls.
• Changes in the consistency of sebaceous secretions due to hormonal imbalance. The amount of sebum is not the only factor influencing the formation of acne vulgaris and blackheads. Much depends on the structure and physical properties of the secret itself. For example, if fat is much thicker than normal, it simply cannot exit through the sebaceous canal. And its quantity is absolutely irrelevant here. The secret simply remains in the pore, where dust and dead skin cells are then added. This creates an excellent environment for harmful bacteria to live and develop.
• A protracted process of natural regeneration of the skin. There are times when the amount and consistency of sebaceous secretion does not matter at all. The fact is that if the keratinized cells of the epidermis do not have time to exfoliate before new elements take their place, they get into the pores. Accordingly, the channel is clogged from the outside. Of course, in this case, the sebaceous secretion cannot get out at all. This is how acne appears.

The worst option is when one person develops acne vulgaris due to three of the reasons listed above. In this case, the process of eliminating them can be very long, since each cause must be dealt with separately. That is why you should not wait until the process gets out of control, but immediately go to the hospital at the first opportunity for examination. Already on the spot, the doctor will give you a complete picture of the pathology and recommendations on how to deal with it.

Much depends on immunity. It is known that during adolescence the immune system is not sufficiently developed. This is one of the main reasons for the onset of the inflammatory process. The body is not able to fight harmful bacteria in the pores on its own. Therefore, it is recommended to take vitamins and minerals regularly to strengthen your immune system on your own. This will not help in the treatment of advanced vulgar rash, but is an excellent way of prevention.

Acne vulgaris can also appear in adulthood. There are a number of established reasons why this happens. Among them, the most common are:

• Hormonal rhythm disturbances. Again, it all comes down to the fact that the sebaceous glands are closely related to hormones. Any malfunction of the glands inside the body can lead to excessive secretion and blockage of the channels. The rhythm is more often confused in women, for example, during pregnancy or lactation.
• Gynecological pathologies. Another purely female problem. These may be infectious or bacterial diseases. Treatment of acne vulgaris in this case is somewhat different. The fact is that you need to act not only on the skin and sebaceous glands, but also on the very cause of inflammation. That is, you first need to get rid of the gynecological disease itself.
• Emotional disorders. Even such a seemingly trifle as frequent mood swings lead to a disorder of the excretory system. This is especially true when you regularly find yourself in stressful situations. In general, it has been proven that negative emotions have a much more negative effect on the body. On the sebaceous glands and skin as well.
• Psychological disorders. Here again we are talking about the nervous system. As soon as it fails, the immune system weakens. As a result, the skin gradually loses its protective abilities. The sebaceous glands work unstably, and harmful microorganisms easily penetrate the pores and develop. Considering that the efficiency of regeneration also decreases, keratinized epithelial cells create an excellent habitat for microbes.
• Gastrointestinal tract disorders. What you eat determines the condition of your skin. Any inflammatory process in the stomach or intestines can cause a vulgar rash. Moreover, this is also the cause of the development of other, more dangerous pathologies. For example, a tumor of adipose tissue in the form of a lipoma can form as a result of poor nutrition. Pay attention to this factor to keep your body safe.

It is likely that at least one of the factors listed above leads to the formation of acne vulgaris in your case. But such cases are quite rare. As a rule, the disease is explained by 4-5 reasons, 1-2 of which are fundamental. That is, special attention should be paid to the main reasons. Only a cosmetologist will help you determine the main factors influencing the onset of the disease.

How does acne vulgaris manifest?

First stage

Comedones are formations that appear almost immediately after the onset of pathology in the body. They are divided into two types:

• Open. Better known as “blackheads”. These are formations that are immediately noticeable on the skin. A clogged sebaceous gland has a plug in the form of black dirt.
• Closed. In this case, comedones are barely visible externally. The main inflammation is in the pore itself.

Second stage

• Pustules. White inflammation. Appears when an infection penetrates the affected skin. Possible suppuration.
• Small red spots that spread widely over the skin with increased oiliness.

You can learn more about this stage from.

Extreme stage

• Nodules. Hard formations on the skin. Appear due to mechanical damage to the inflammations listed above. And for this it is not necessary to crush the acne. It's enough to just wash your face sloppily.
• Worst outcome for this pathology. Inflammations are widespread throughout the skin and can cause severe pain.

How to treat acne vulgaris

You need to understand that this pathology is not the simplest. The skin is affected quite deeply, so you need to use all possible methods to influence the source of the disease without harming the skin itself.

Treatment is individual for each patient and individual case. But there are a number of recommendations, following which you can definitely get rid of the problem relatively quickly and without difficulty.

The most effective tips:

1. Begin treatment with an accurate diagnosis and complete examination. Under no circumstances should you try to get rid of the disease on your own. If you are faced with acne vulgaris, first of all, seek help from specialists to establish the exact causes and get a reliable diagnosis.

You need to choose who to contact based on the characteristics of the pathology and possible causes. Doctors who can definitely help you are a dermatologist (given that the skin suffers first), an endocrinologist (because the disease directly affects the endocrine system) and a gynecologist (since in women the problem is most often associated with hormonal imbalances).

1. Strictly adhere to the correct sequence of actions during treatment. First of all, you need to do everything possible to prevent the appearance of new rashes. To do this, it is necessary to restore normal hormonal rhythm. Regardless of what the specific cause of the disease was, by putting the glands in order, you can definitely avoid many further problems.

The main thing here is to use the right individual methods. You need to understand that this process is very different depending on your gender. Therefore, there is no point in trying to restore proper hormone secretion on your own. Here you will 100% need medical help.

1. Cleanse your skin regularly during treatment. Influencing the internal factors of pathology undoubtedly produces results. But the treatment is not the fastest. Therefore, you need to additionally clean the pores. In the first stages, when the disease manifests itself only in comedones, you can do this yourself, using special cleaning products prescribed by your doctor. But if the pathology is advanced, the sebaceous canals are cleaned only in a clinical setting.

Doctors use mechanical cleaning methods. The positive fact is that the skin is not damaged. That is, we are not talking about banal extrusion. Special hardware methods are used here to help completely cleanse the pores of excess sebum, dust and dead cells.

1. Be sure to degrease the skin with suitable external products. During the treatment process, the performance of the sebaceous canals gradually stabilizes. But this does not happen quickly. An excessive amount of secretion continues to flow into the pores for some time.

At this time, you need to use cosmetic preparations prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of acne vulgaris, which constantly maintain the skin in the desired condition. It is important to follow all instructions so as not to dry out your skin. The result of this will be even worse.

1. Carefully monitor your diet and stick to your diet. No matter what strong medications you take, they may not give any result if you continue to eat junk food. The course of treatment involves. She's pretty strict.

For example, you will most likely have to give up fatty, sweet, fried and salty foods. But, believe me, this significantly speeds up the treatment process. Any deviation from the prescribed diet can lead to an exacerbation of the pathology. Even if you are clearly undergoing a course of treatment, diet is a must.

This list includes treatment principles that are often used for patients with acne vulgaris. But this does not mean that in your case the course will involve exactly these methods. You need to understand: during treatment, your immunity is strengthened and the functioning of all disturbed glands is stabilized. And the drugs for this are selected individually for the patient.

Do not try to use these instructions to get rid of acne vulgaris on your own at home. These are just additional tips that we recommend you follow. But you can only get basic treatment from professional doctors. Otherwise, all the methods listed above simply have no meaning.

If you want to understand how the inflammation process occurs and what acne vulgaris is in general, be sure to watch the video below. This short video will help you understand what you are faced with and how seriously the pathology has affected your body. Play the video now:

Acne vulgaris is far from the most common skin pathology. Therefore, if you have developed this disease, contact professionals to use the correct treatment methods.

What are acne?

Pimples, or acne vulgaris as they are also called, are an unpleasant disease that affects approximately 80% of young people from 14 to 30 years old. Acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands. Acne (blackheads) are inflamed nodules that can “pop up” on the skin of the face, chest, neck and back. The occurrence of acne can be caused by both internal and external factors. Inflamed nodules are painful and cause discomfort to adolescents, as they spoil the appearance of the skin. The disease is very common; however, only 20% of patients consult a doctor; For the rest, acne vulgaris occurs in a mild form and is often considered a physiological condition. The peak of the disease falls during puberty (14-16 years of age, slightly earlier in girls than in boys, which is explained by the earlier onset of puberty in women); rashes continue, as a rule, until 20-25 years.

What is the connection between puberty and acne?

During puberty, our body begins to produce a huge amount of sex hormones. These hormones increase the activity of the sebaceous glands, which have the ability to clog pores, resulting in comedones (plugs). Due to the presence of comedones, sebum simply does not have the opportunity to be released onto the surface of the skin; sebum production continues at the same time. As a result of these processes, bacteria that are very viable begin to develop in the clogged follicle. They provoke the process of inflammation, and it happens that the follicle ruptures. Leukocytes begin to fight inflammation, which simultaneously destroy bacteria and die themselves. The result is the appearance of pus.

What are the main causes of acne?

• Poor nutrition, gastrointestinal diseases a common cause of acne;
• Stress can increase the severity of the course and cause new acne. In turn, acne itself causes stress, and squeezing it out worsens a person’s appearance. Surveys of a large number of acne patients have shown that many of them experience a feeling of shame; embarrassment and anxiety; uncertainty; deterioration of social contacts and have significant problems finding a job. Severe acne can cause anger and anxiety;
• Premenstrual exacerbations. About 70% of women note an exacerbation of inflammatory phenomena 2-7 days before menstruation. It is possible that this is due to changes in the hydration of the follicular epithelium in the premenstrual period. Progesterone and estrogens have a pro-inflammatory effect on acne vulgaris;
• Hormonal changes, diseases associated with the endocrine system, as well as changes associated with age may cause acne. Androgenic hormones play a role in the development of acne vulgaris, especially in middle-aged women with treatment-resistant acne. The activity of the sebaceous glands is primarily regulated by androgenic hormones of gonadal or adrenal origin. Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen that may play an important role in the development of acne. Dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione, low-potency androgens produced in the adrenal glands, are converted into more potent testosterone and dihydrotestosterone under the action of enzymes. Since the importance of hormones in the development of acne has been proven, the sudden appearance of acne in an adult should be a reason to examine the patient for hidden diseases of the pituitary-genital or pituitary-adrenal system. Indications for endocrinological examination of women suffering from acne vulgaris may include: sudden appearance of severe acne in adult women; resistance of acne to conventional therapy, especially if women have hirsutism; menstrual irregularities; signs of hyperandrogenism; a very sharp exacerbation of the process a short time after the start of isotretinoin therapy.
• Sweating. 15% of patients noted the negative impact of humidity on the course of the disease, especially in cases where a person lives in a humid, warm environment;
• Ultraviolet irradiation. Many patients and doctors are convinced that sunlight has a positive effect on acne. There is no scientific evidence for this. It is possible that the improvement is due to the psychological effects of tanning. Artificial ultraviolet radiation often increases the comedogenicity of sebum and causes the development of acne;
• Professions. Cooking and steam cleansing can increase hydration of the stratum corneum of the follicles and cause acne. Working with halogenated hydrocarbons may cause chloracne;
• Hereditary predisposition has an undoubted significance in the occurrence of acne vulgaris, the severity of its course, localization, prevalence and sensitivity to therapy. According to German dermatologists, 45% of schoolchildren with acne vulgaris had one or both parents who also had acne, while acne vulgaris was observed in only 8% of schoolchildren whose parents did not have acne. A hereditary predisposition to the appearance of acne vulgaris has also been confirmed by genetic studies on twins.
• Smoking negatively affects the progression of acne.

What types of acne are there?

Acne comes in different forms and manifests itself in different ways:

1. Blackheads consist of hard horny scales that impede the access of sebum. The outer part of the cork fills with dust and becomes brown or dark. Acne usually appears on the nose, forehead and chin, as well as on the back and chest.
2. Whiteheads (millet acne) are pinpoint nodules comparable in size to grains, occurring due to stretching of the gland and sebum retention. They are usually located on the cheekbones and eyelid area. Such acne occurs one at a time or in groups.
3. Acne vulgaris (ordinary) appears as a result of constant inflammation of the sebaceous glands. They usually form in adolescents during puberty. The condition of the skin worsens due to poor hygiene and abuse of unhealthy foods.
4. Pustular acne with a purulent cap is usually red in color and appears as a result of damage to the epidermis and the release of harmful organisms to the outside. The main reason for the formation of pustules is squeezing out acne.
5. Phlegmonous acne is a tumor. They are formed as a result of damage to a large number of sebaceous glands. Phlegmonous acne grows together and turns into abscesses or ulcers. At the site of their opening, scars form.
6. Conglobate acne is round in shape and is connected by a staphylococcal bacillus. This is the most dangerous acne, affecting the side of the cheeks, back, and neck. This disease stimulates the formation of nodes, which consist of individual bulges. After healing, a scar remains in their place.
7. Drug acne appears as a result of the use of various drugs that cause allergies. They form on the body in the form of red spots or ulcers. Sometimes pimples appear in intimate places.

Should you get tested if you have acne?

An experienced dermatologist can determine the type of acne with a superficial examination. If necessary, you should be tested for bacterial flora. A complete and proper examination will help identify the underlying cause of acne. Recommended examination methods for patients suffering from seborrhea and acne vulgaris, if hormonal disorders are suspected (including: resistance to therapy, irregular menstruation, severe hirsutism, signs of female alopecia) include: testosterone; dehydroepiandrosterone; sex hormone binding globulin; prolactin; follicular/lutein-stimulating hormone ratio; exclusion of polycystic ovary syndrome (if necessary); in men and women with treatment-resistant acne vulgaris, determination of cortisol and 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone levels at 9 a.m. to exclude late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia; swabs from the mucous membrane of the mouth and skin to exclude gram-negative folliculitis.

What is the treatment for acne vulgaris?

Start by filling out an individual acne treatment card to see the dynamics. Treatment depends on the severity of the acne. For some patients, it is enough to adjust their diet, select appropriate skin care using medicinal cosmetics and prescribe external anti-acne agents; and some have to undergo a serious course of treatment with systemic medications:

• Diet: low in fats, carbohydrates;
• Antibiotics;
• Antiandrogen drugs – suppressing excessive production of male sex hormone;
• Anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Antihistamines;
• Multivitamins;
• Autohemotherapy, immunostimulating therapy;
• Local treatment.

They are very effective retinoic acid preparations, used in external treatment of acne. At the end of the last century, it was discovered that one of the representatives of this group, isotretinoin, has a particularly active effect on the sebaceous glands, providing several therapeutic effects at once. Firstly, the functional activity of the sebaceous glands decreases, and therefore the amount of sebum produced. Secondly, the number of comedones on the face is significantly reduced. Moreover, isotretinoin prevents their subsequent appearance. Unfortunately, this miracle retinoid does not act on the acne causative agent itself - Propionibacterium acnes. Antibiotics were previously used for this purpose (mainly topical erythromycin), which gives an excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, eliminating the “skin troublemaker.” A division of GlaxoSmithKline, it produces a combination drug for the treatment of acne - Isotrexin gel. Foreign and Russian clinical studies have proven that the combined composition (erythromycin + isotretinoin) is significantly more effective than monotherapy with individual components. Another undoubted advantage of Isotrexin: the drug begins to work quickly, after the first days of use. However, to achieve a pronounced effect, you should remember the need for regular and continuous use, which may take 6–8 months. Isotrexin should be applied twice daily to the affected areas. The gel is quickly absorbed into the skin and leaves no residue, making it suitable for use under makeup. The gel is well tolerated by patients - more than 80% did not report any discomfort from its use. If the skin turns out to be too sensitive, the use of the gel can be postponed for a couple of days and resumed again when the irritation subsides. In most cases, the skin reaction is not severe and does not require discontinuation of treatment. Additionally, you can apply professional hypoallergenic creams that moisturize the skin and eliminate dryness (for example, Physiogel cream). In addition to it, for complete skin care, it is recommended to use special hypoallergenic cleansers - for example, Physiogel Cleanser. It can be used without water so as not to dry out the skin. An important fact confirming the effectiveness of such comprehensive care for problem skin is that in 2010, the Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists (RODV) included Isotrexin and Physiogel line products in modern clinical recommendations for the treatment of patients with acne.

1. When using mesotherapy, reflexology sessions are used; to improve trophism and microcirculation, paravertebral zones and biologically active points are injected with cocktails of antioxidants, microelements, vitamins, and biostimulants. The last stage is carrying out a mesointerface throughout the entire acne distribution zone using the classical technique.
2. Physiotherapy is aimed at normalizing the function of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism, for long-term local tissue hyperthermia and resorption of infiltrates. The following physical treatment methods are used:
   • Light and laser therapy. Blue light has a detrimental effect on P. acnes protoporphyrins, leading to the release of oxygen and the death of anaerobic bacteria. There are also reports of the effectiveness of laser therapy for acne vulgaris;
   • Zinc electrophoresis or diadynamo-electrophoresis of ronidase or iodine on the affected area, iodine electrophoresis on the affected area;
   • Mud applications, paraffin applications;
   • Darsenvalization;
   • Ozone therapy, intravenous laser irradiation of blood;
   • Chemical peeling;
   • Cryotherapy and injection of triamcinolone into the lesions for keloid scars;

What is the treatment for acne with folk remedies? How can you cure acne at home?

Among the folk remedies for treating acne on the face at home:

• Viburnum common. A napkin moistened with juice from viburnum fruits is lightly wrung out and applied to the face for 5-7 minutes with breaks of 10 minutes two or three times in a row. Then the skin on the face is lubricated with a nourishing cream. The course of treatment consists of 7-10 procedures daily, and then 7-10 procedures every other day. It is difficult to obtain enough viburnum juice for a mask. Therefore, you can lubricate your face with a mixture of nourishing cream for oily skin with viburnum berry juice. The juice should be added gradually, in small portions until the creamy consistency is maintained. The procedures are done daily or every other day for 30-40 minutes for 3-4 weeks.
• Marigolds (calendula). For applications, take a tablespoon of calendula tincture in half a glass of water. The duration of the procedure is half an hour. The napkin with the solution is changed every 10 minutes. During the first half of the course, procedures are done daily, in the second half every other day. A total of 20-25 applications are carried out. It is preferable to use a warm infusion of calendula.
• Walnut. One part of fresh walnut leaves is infused with 10 parts of vodka. From the resulting tincture, applications are made the same as with calendula tincture.
• Propolis. Acne rashes on the skin of the face are lubricated with 20% alcohol tincture of propolis daily at night, and in the morning the remaining propolis is removed with lotion for oily skin or vodka. If necessary, the duration of the procedure is reduced to an hour. Course – at least 30 procedures. Simultaneously with external use, it is useful to use the same tincture internally, 20-25 drops three times a day or 30-35 drops twice a day in a small amount of milk or warm water. The duration of treatment is at least a month.
• Pharmaceutical camomile. Napkins soaked in a warm infusion of chamomile flowers and slightly wrung out are applied to the face five to six times every five minutes. The course of treatment is 20-25 procedures, of which 10-12 are daily, and the rest every other day. The infusion is made at the rate of one part chamomile flowers to 10 parts water.
• Sage. An infusion of sage leaves (one part to 20 parts water) is used using the same method. For patients with chronic acne, cucumber lotion can be recommended for long-term use: combine it with 100 grams of vodka, leave for 8-10 days in a container with a tight-fitting stopper, filter through gauze, and store in the refrigerator for up to six months.

• Advice one. You can't sunbathe. We often hear that in the sun, acne on the chin and body disappears on its own. Sometimes this really happens, but everything is not as simple as it seems. Sun exposure causes increased sebum production, which is undesirable. For example, the best way to get rid of acne on the back and face is to treat with retinoids. If you can't avoid going to the beach, consult your doctor about choosing moisturizing sunscreens. Use non-comedogenic products with an SPF factor of at least 30 throughout the summer.
• Tip two. You can't wash your face often. Of course, no one is calling for uncleanliness, but the appearance of acne on the face has nothing to do with sterility. But excessively frequent washing guarantees drying of the skin, which reduces its resistance to infection. You should wash your face only twice a day, but your hands, as a possible source of infection that can cause acne on the chin, should really be washed more often.
• Tip three. You can't squeeze it out. Despite all the warnings from dermatologists, the number of people who want to squeeze acne on the body is not decreasing. This is strictly forbidden, since any attempt to squeeze out acne on the face causes the infection to penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and dermis, aggravating the inflammation. In addition, infection is transmitted to non-inflamed elements of acne, initiating new lesions.
• Tip four. Do not use alcohol products. Alcohol products are intended only for spot treatment, and with prolonged exposure, necrosis of the epidermis occurs.
• Tip five. The most important. You cannot let the disease take its course; acne is not just pimples on the face or body, but a serious illness. The sooner you contact a dermatologist, the faster the result will be achieved. A dermatologist will evaluate the condition of your skin and prescribe treatment depending on the stage of acne.

The material was prepared by Akimov’s dermatologist and physiotherapist Oleg Viktorovich together with GlaxoSmithKline.

Acne vulgaris causes a lot of inconvenience to a person. They spoil your appearance and force you to hide your face from the direct rays of the sun and camera lenses. Acne like this is difficult to treat, but there are many methods that can make one of the main problems of puberty less noticeable.

The word “vulgar” comes from the Latin “vulgus”, which means “people”. Acne began to be called “vulgar” centuries ago, among the common people who did not particularly care about their hygiene. Acne received such a specific name also because it most actively occurs during periods when hormones are “playing” in a person, and this not only causes cosmetic problems, but also affects behavior and lifestyle.

– These are acne that occur due to a general hormonal imbalance in the body. They occur more often in women during puberty (13-17 years), during sexual activity or, conversely, in its absence at a more mature age. You can read more about acne in teenagers in our article at the link:. The mechanism of formation of such acne is standard - excess sebum, abundantly produced by the sebaceous glands, dead skin particles, cosmetics, and dust accumulate in the hair follicles. In this fertile environment for bacteria, infiltrates arise caused by the colonization of staphylococci, streptococci and other harmful microorganisms. The pores become enlarged, sebum is not removed from them, but accumulates. The sebaceous plug provokes inflammation, which can grow into a pimple of varying severity:

• first stage– the easiest, usually this is mild redness and thickening, which passes without developing into an abscess, or a small abscess that is superficial, quickly and independently opens, and does not leave behind a stain or scar;
• second stage– this is a large pimple that develops into an abscess, with redness and thickening of nearby tissues;
• third stage- These are deep pimples that may not go away for weeks, with severe redness, swelling and repeated suppuration.

Acne of the second and third stages leaves behind spots and scars, which then, even if the period of “blooming” with acne vulgaris has ended, greatly spoils a person’s appearance, and it is necessary to treat post-acne using laser, ultraviolet rays and other methods.

Types of acne:

• non-inflammatory acne is comedones or fat plugs into which infection has not yet penetrated:
  • • white comedones - the hair follicle is closed and narrowed at the top;
    • black comedones - the follicle is open and dirt accumulates there, which gives it a dark color;
• inflammatory acne – infection penetrates the comedones and an inflammatory process begins with possible suppuration, redness and swelling.

The more weakened the body as a whole, the more actively bacteria attach to the skin.

In the video, a dermatologist-oncologist talks about acne vulgaris, the reasons for its appearance and the characteristics of the disease:

Acne vulgaris and dermatovenereology

If a person is tormented by acne vulgaris, then you need to consult a specialist. A beauty salon and standard cosmetic procedures performed by experts for acne will not be enough. Treating yourself at home, trying various folk recipes and medications without consulting a doctor is also a mistake.

A dermatovenerologist is a doctor who treats skin and venereal diseases and identifies the relationship between these diseases and the general condition of the body. It is a destructive and widespread belief that these doctors treat exclusively sexually transmitted diseases. If you are concerned about acne vulgaris, which is accompanied by disruptions in the menstrual cycle in women, and with urological problems in men, then be sure to visit a dermatovenerologist. He will prescribe a comprehensive examination that will reveal the underlying causes of the rash. Scraping, blood testing for allergens and harmful microorganisms, dermatoscopy, culture and smear - there are many methods for studying.

Causes

Acne occurs due to excess sebum production, clogged pores and slower regeneration and exfoliation processes. Causes of acne vulgaris:

• hormonal changes in the body during puberty;
• hormonal imbalances at any age, due to gynecological diseases, stress, decreased immunity, exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• PMS and menopause in women;
• unhealthy diet with a predominance of flour, fatty, spicy and sweet foods, consumption of sweet carbonated drinks and fast food;
• frequent use of cosmetics, insufficient cleansing of the facial skin.

Photo of acne vulgaris

Treatment with medications

Acne vulgaris is treated with medication. Doctors usually prescribe the following drugs:

1. Antibiotics. They are prescribed for the third, most severe, stage of acne. Antibiotics fight inflammation and infection; they need to be taken in a course and together with drugs that support the intestinal microflora.
2. Hormonal medications, usually birth control pills. They even out hormonal levels, the main cause of acne vulgaris.
3. Ointments, gels and mash containing hormones, various antimicrobial agents, wound healing, promoting exfoliation and regeneration, drawing out pus. For example, zinc ointment, balsamic liniment according to Vishnevsky, “Zinerit”, “Baziron AS”, “Skinoren”.
4. Drugs whose active substance is isotretinoin. It actively reduces sebum production, affecting hormonal levels.

Traditional methods

Acne vulgaris is often treated with traditional methods. If the form of the disease is severe, they are usually not enough. But in mild and moderate stages, especially at the beginning of the disease, traditional medicine will really help cope with the disease, subject to systematic treatment:

• Masks. They can be very different, depending on the skin type and rashes. Clay masks help a lot; they tighten pores, mattify, and cleanse the skin. You can add calendula tincture or a few drops of essential oil of tea tree, rosemary, lemon, mint to this mask. Good reviews about masks made from raw potatoes and grated carrots and cranberries.
• Lotions based on herbal infusions, with and without alcohol. Aloe juice, lemon juice, and chamomile infusion help well.

Before using any essential oil for the first time, be sure to conduct a sensitivity test. Mix a couple of drops in vegetable or olive oil, apply the mixture to the area under the elbow or next to the palm.

Acne vulgaris can and should be treated. The main thing is to carry out treatment under the supervision of a specialist and regularly cleanse the skin.

The problem of acne often affects teenagers. In this article we will look at photos of different types of acne, the causes of their appearance and treatment.

Acne, pimples, acne - all this is the result of improper functioning of the sebaceous glands. They occur in adolescence during puberty, as well as in adulthood. Most often, acne occurs on the face, chest or back.

Acne can appear as small nodules (papules) or pustules (pustules). If you do not fight them, inflammation occurs again and again, then turns into permanent, persistent rashes and can even remain throughout life, causing a person to suffer and developing complexes.

Acne can be classified

• Ordinary– this is a mild degree of the disease, isolated acne is observed, mainly comedones. Inflammations and pustules may be isolated. Treatment does not require much time and can be done at home.

• Comedonal– a moderate degree of the disease, when a noticeable number of comedones, both open and closed, appear on the skin. They contain sebum. Blackheads are open comedones, they got their name due to the interaction of subcutaneous fat with air and darkening (rancidity), as well as dirt and dust getting into the pores, darkening. Whiteheads are closed comedones, inside which fat accumulates and is not oxidized by air.

• Papulopustular– the average degree of the disease, there can be up to 40 rashes, and a papule, that is, a nodule, appears on the skin. The hair follicles become damaged, bacteria penetrate there and pustules appear, otherwise known as pustules. You should not squeeze such acne yourself, otherwise you can get an infection. Treatment can only be carried out by a specialist.

• Nodular-cystic- a rather severe form of acne, which is characterized by comedones, papules and pustules. All these formations can combine with each other and form cysts and painful nodes.

Types of acne on the face: vulgar, pink, steroid

Inflammation in the sebaceous gland, which leads to its blockage, can have different origins and be of different types:

• Rosacea or rosacea. Most common in people 30 years of age and older. With rosacea, the blood vessels dilate, papules may appear, and these, in turn, become pustules. Women are most often affected. Signs of rosacea: the forehead, nose, as well as the chin and cheeks become very red; in rarer cases, the back and chest may be affected. Most often they begin with ordinary redness of the skin, then turn into rashes, and later the skin becomes denser in places of inflammation, blood vessels dilate, dryness and prickly feeling are noted, it seems that there is sand in the eyes, they turn red and watery. It is very important not to harm the skin further, that is, not to expose it to excessive hypothermia or harmful exposure to the sun.

• Steroid acne. Most often, their occurrence is associated with taking various types of hormonal drugs. They do not cause any significant harmful effects, but only worsen the appearance of the skin. When the medication is discontinued, acne goes away on its own. However, if a person requires treatment with hormonal drugs, this can become a problem. Such acne is characterized by small red rashes with pustules. If a person takes hormonal drugs orally, the whole body can be affected. If ointment is used, only a certain area will be affected. A distinctive feature is severe itching and burning.

Video: Details

Acne treatment - ointments

Acne must be treated.

Let's consider the most popular means:

1. Aven. Produced in France, it was created specifically for the treatment of adult acne caused by hormonal imbalance. The product is also suitable for dry skin. The effect of the ointment is to relieve inflammation, cleanse pores of dirt and sebum, due to which the skin calms down. You need to apply the ointment 1-2 times a day, after cleansing the skin. The duration is individual.
2. Azelik. A Russian-made ointment that has proven itself at a low price. The result can be seen after just a few hours. The convenience lies in the fact that you can apply the product shortly before going out. The ointment can be used for a long time, as it is not addictive. The medicine should be applied to inflamed areas of the skin 2 times a day, after cleansing it beforehand. If there is a noticeable improvement in the face, it is necessary to switch to a single application of the drug.
3. Floresan. Inexpensive acne treatment. This product has an unusual smell and a not very pleasant consistency. But the remedy is quite effective. There is one more drawback: in the heat or increased sweating, the ointment will be visible. The substances included in the composition have a drying effect and remove pus. The medicine is applied for a month in the morning and evening, then a break is taken for 2 weeks. If necessary, the course is repeated. Not recommended for dry skin.
4. Himani Boro Plus. The ointment is made in Germany, the consistency is quite greasy and has a specific smell. Just a lifesaver for excessively dry skin. It is necessary to apply to the affected areas one to three times a day. Thanks to this product, the skin is filled with vitamins and moisturized by restoring sebaceous secretion. The drug is suitable for long-term use, as well as for children, as it is not addictive.
5. Klerasil. This product is produced in the UK. In addition to the cream, the series also includes other skin cleansing products. Klerasil is applied to cleansed skin in the morning and evening. It would be a good idea to take steam baths with herbs to soothe the skin. Recommended for combination or oily skin types. An unfavorable factor in treatment with this drug is addiction. The effect can be noticed after a week. Once a month you need to take a week's break.
6. Zenerite. Produced in Holland, it fights acne quite effectively. This product is approved for use by adolescents during puberty, when the first changes to the skin occur. The medicine can prevent the appearance of recurrent rashes on the skin, which means complete relief from acne is possible. A course of treatment is required for 3 weeks with a break for the same period. The ointment is applied to cleansed skin pointwise. This product has an antibacterial effect and also creates a special breathable film on the skin.
7. Ichthyol ointment. The remedy is well-known and is used for inflammation and suppuration of the skin. It has a good effect on acne, helps the ulcers to open. The smell of the ointment is quite strong, so use it only before bed. First, we cleanse the face, then apply the medicine in a thin layer. If there are a lot of rashes, then applying the ointment twice is possible. The duration of treatment should not exceed two weeks, followed by a one-month break.
8. Klindovit. An effective remedy for acne and purulent inflammation. Treatment is carried out for no more than 10 days, due to possible addiction to the drug. This remedy is not suitable for mild acne; it is used rather in severe cases. Sometimes an allergy to the medicine may occur. Apply the product morning and evening, applying to inflammation.
9. Retin-A. A fairly common remedy in the fight against acne, it additionally protects from the sun and prevents skin aging. Retin-A is applied once for 3-6 months, then a break of 3 months. When first used, retinoic acid may cause mild redness and irritation. Everything goes away within a week of use.
10. Curiosin. This remedy is good because it fights both existing rashes and smoothes out scars from already healed ones. But it is not able to prevent the appearance of acne. The ointment is applied only once a day. Curiosin should be used with caution, since the drug is based on hormones and “withdrawal syndrome” is possible, so it can be applied for no more than two weeks. Recommended for any skin. Prohibited for pregnant and lactating women, as well as persons under 18 years of age.

Acne vulgaris (synonyms: acne vulgaris, juvenile acne, acne) is an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, usually occurring during puberty.

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease manifested by impaired keratinization of pilosebaceous follicles with a perifollicular inflammatory reaction.

Girls aged 10-17 years are affected, boys - 14-19 years old. Young men are most often affected by the severe form.

ICD-10 code

L70.0 Acne vulgaris

Causes of acne vulgaris

The risk group includes persons who frequently come into contact with lubricating oils, dioxin, and petroleum products. Among the drugs that cause the disease are lithium salts, phenytoin, corticosteroids (including for external use), and oral contraceptives. The disease is sometimes inherited polygenically.

Androgens and bacteria (Papionbacterium acne) play an important role in the development of the disease. Androgens, interacting with the sebaceous glands, stimulate the secretion of sebum (the level and composition of androgens are within physiological limits). Lipase, which bacteria contain, breaks down fats into free fatty acids. Excess sebum and fatty acids cause an inflammatory reaction in the sebaceous glands and hair follicle. As a result, the walls of the follicle become keratinized and become clogged with sebaceous masses. If the mouth of the follicle is closed or narrowed, a whitehead (closed comedon) is formed; if it is open, the horny mass moves into the mouth of the follicle like a plug and a blackhead (open comedon) is formed. The black color of cork is given by melanin, a product of tyrosine oxidation. The stretched walls of the follicle can break through, while its contents (sebum, fats, keratin, free fatty acids) penetrate into the dermis and the inflammatory process begins. This is how papules, pustules, nodes are formed and, during healing, scars.

Increased sebum secretion, insufficient emptying of the sebaceous glands and hyperkeratinization of hair follicles are a prerequisite for clogging of the mouths of hair follicles with the formation of “blackheads” of comedones. Comedones occur with both liquid and thick oily seborrhea.

Pathomorphology

A comedon is a collection of dead skin cells, sebum and microorganisms. The follicular papule is characterized by the presence of a perifollicular infiltrate, consisting predominantly of lymphocytes. Small areas of destruction of the epithelial vaginal wall of the hair follicle may be observed.

A pustule, localized inside the follicle and containing predominantly neutrophilic granulocytes, is usually formed after the destruction of its wall, when the contents of the comedone enter the dermis. As a result, a granulomatous reaction develops with the appearance of macrophage elements and giant cells of foreign bodies. The perifollicular infiltrate can turn into a cyst containing a large number of neutrophil granulocytes, histiocytes and plasma cells with an admixture of giant cells of foreign bodies. Sometimes the latter are close to the keratin masses. The infiltrate is then replaced by fibrous tissue. The epidermis along the edges of the destroyed areas of the hair follicle can grow.

Histogenesis

Importance is given to increasing the activity of the sebaceous glands, primarily due to an increase in the concentration of androgens in the blood and/or a decrease in the level of androgen-binding protein; alpha reductase level 5; changes in microflora, primarily the colonization of follicles by Cotynebacterium acne, which produces bacterial lipase that breaks down lipids into fatty acids; increased keratinization of the epithelium of the sebaceous glandular apparatus; secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, etc.); hereditary predisposition.

Symptoms of acne vulgaris

The clinical picture is polymorphic; comedones, papules, pustules, superficial and deep, with abscess formation and fusion into continuous infiltrated lesions, sometimes with fistulas, cysts and scar formation. It mainly affects the face and other so-called seborrheic areas. The disease develops mainly in adolescents; with age, the manifestations in most patients disappear without a trace or remain as superficial scars, only in relatively rare cases - keloids.

Special variants of acne vulgaris are: acne fulminans, observed predominantly in males, occurring acutely with fever, arthralgia, pustular-ulcerative lesions resistant to antibiotics; acne conglobata, which is a variant of chronic pyoderma, clinically manifested by fistulous-abscessed lesions with scarring, located mainly in the shoulder girdle, armpits and buttocks, and in some patients with the development of malignant neoplasms in these lesions; acne necroticans, characterized by papulonecrotic rashes on the skin of the forehead, probably developing in individuals sensitized to pyococci; acne neonatorum in the form of acneiform rashes, mainly on the cheeks of newborns as a result of the hormonal effects of the mother’s body.

Rashes occur without disturbing the general condition and are often localized on the skin of the face, chest, back, i.e., in seborrheic areas. The clinical picture manifests itself in the form of hemispherical nodules of pink or pink-red color, the size of a pinhead to a pea (papular acne). Papules quickly transform into pustules of various sizes, after resolution of which dried yellow crusts form on the surface. At the site of resolution of acne vulgaris, pigmentation or a superficial scar usually remains. Conglobate acne is observed when the suppurative process begins from the deep layers of the skin, and hemispherical fluctuating nodes are formed. After a few weeks, the nodes are opened to form a cavity, from which a viscous yellow-green purulent fluid is released. After healing, deep scars remain in place of large conglobate acne.

Sometimes acne vulgaris begins acutely with a disturbance in the general condition of the patient (general weakness, headaches, arthralgia, fever). In this case, numerous acne and abscess nodes appear.