Acne vulgaris is a medical term that refers to various types of acne, starting fromblackheads (blackheads), white comedones (whitehead), papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Acne vulgaris It usually grows on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
Acne vulgaris or acne is one of the most common skin diseases. This condition may be accompanied by inflammation (acne vulgaris non-inflammatory) or without inflammation (acne vulgaris inflammation).
Acne vulgaris non-inflammatory disease is usually characterized by comedones, whereas acne vulgaris Inflammation is characterized by prominent pimples and redness.
Types Acne vulgaris
Shape acne vulgaris There are various, depending on the severity, namely mild, moderate, to severe.
Here are the types acne vulgaris light ones:
- blackhead
- white comedones
While the type acne vulgaris which are classified as moderate are:
- Papules (small red, tender bumps)
- Pustules (small red bumps filled with pus)
Meanwhile, type acne vulgaris severe are:
- Nodules (large, firm, painful lumps)
- Cystic lesions/cysts (large, painful pus-filled lumps)
Reason Acne vulgaris
Generally acne vulgaris occurs at puberty. At this time, the androgen hormone will increase and make the oil glands attached to the hair follicles produce more sebum (oil) than usual.
Sebum and dead skin cells from the hair follicles should be released through the pores in the skin. However, if sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate and clog this exit, the sebum that is constantly being produced by the oil glands cannot get out and is trapped inside. Finally, there is a pimple or acne vulgaris.
When entering early adulthood, androgen hormones will decrease so that acne vulgaris will decrease. However, there are also several factors that can cause acne vulgaris at this time, including:
- Hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy
- Consumption of certain drugs
- Use of unclean cosmetics
- Moist air
- Excessive sweating
- Stress
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Handling Acne vulgaris
Handling acne vulgaris will be adjusted according to the severity. Acne vulgaris Mild can generally be treated with over-the-counter medications, while moderate to severe symptoms usually require a prescription from a doctor.
Free medicine
Examples of over-the-counter drugs that you can try to treat acne vulgaris light are:
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide It has antibacterial properties, so it can kill bacteria under the skin and open up pores. That way, acne will also be reduced. Benzoyl peroxide It is available in the form of gels, facial cleansers, and topical over-the-counter medications.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid (salicylic acid) works by reducing inflammation and opening clogged pores. You can find salicylic acid in the form of gels, lotions, and facial cleansers.
Retinoids
Retinoids work by breaking up whiteheads and whiteheads blackheads, and prevent clogging of pores. Retinoids are available in the form of gels and creams. However, retinoids should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Prescription drugs
Acne vulgaris of moderate to severe severity generally require diagnosis and treatment from a dermatologist. Some medications that your doctor may prescribe to treat acne vulgaris moderate to severe include:
Antibiotics
To kill bacteria in cases acne vulgaris In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be taken by mouth (oral) or applied directly (topical) to the skin acne vulgaris.
Isotretinoin
Oral isotretinoin may also be prescribed for: acne vulgaris severe as well acne vulgaris who do not respond to general treatment. This drug is able to reduce the number of bacteria on the skin and control sebum production, so that acne is reduced. However, this drug should not be consumed by pregnant women.
Family planning pills
Birth control pills may also be prescribed to treat acne vulgaris severe in women. Birth control pills work by reducing the production of excessive androgen hormones and inhibiting the work of androgen hormones in the oil glands.
To maximize treatment acne vulgaris, it helps you also make lifestyle changes, such as:
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
- Avoid, touch, pry or squeeze acne vulgaris.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Manage stress well.
- Enough rest.
Generally acne vulgaris only temporary. However, if the condition is severe or is felt to be interfering with daily activities, it's a good idea to consult a doctor to get the right treatment and treatment.
some cases acne vulgaris can be very severe and leave visible scars on the skin. This often causes a person to feel insecure, even to anxiety and depression. If this is the case, don't hesitate to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist.