mild acne

What is acne vulgaris?

This disease of adolescence, is caused by inflammation of small pouches that include root hairs (pilosebaceous follicles). Acne affects 80% of adolescents and is characterized by the presence of blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts filled with pus and, in severe forms, deep infected lesions. the formation of these lesions is dependent on: the intervention of some hormones, sebum, bacteria and changes in the skin structure. Depending on the size of the lesions, acne can be mild or severe. Usually it appears on the face, shoulders, neck and back.


causes

The acne usually appears at puberty . During this period, the male sex hormones (androgens) produced by the adrenal glands, testes or ovaries, intensely stimulate the sebaceous glands. They secrete an excess of fatty substance that lubricates the skin (sebum). The fat that can not normally be removed results in the formation of small lumps, called comedo. It contains sebum and bacteria in large amount. Rupture causes inflammation of the follicles.

signs

In mild forms of acne , the whiteheads or whiteheads (microcysts) and open comedones or blackheads are distinguished. The whiteheads appear in the form of white papules 1 to 2 mm. They are preferably located on the forehead, nose, cheeks and back. Open comedones have a lengthy hole that allows easy removal of the contents; closed comedones, however, tend to be inflammatory.
Usually mild forms of acne cure without giving any treatment is necessary unless manipulations were made ​​without disinfection, to try to extract the bullets.
The most important forms of acne are characterized by the presence of lesions containing pus and often leave permanent scars.

Local treatment

Local treatment (ie, for external use) by way of creams, gels or lotions is sufficient in most cases.
This treatment has two main objectives: firstly, to promote the removal of comedones and, secondly, to fight overproduction of sebum (seborrhea).
the products used are irritating to the skin, so you have to use following specific guidelines established by the physician. Treatment is effective if followed daily for 3 or 4 months, at least.
General treatment

In addition to the healing of the lesions caused by acne, the goal is to try to prevent the maximum scarring. Antibiotic treatment . The persistent, highly infected or rebels to local treatment forms, or in the case of widespread and deep lesions, treatment should be administered systemically.Antibiotics are used to prevent the proliferation and activity of the germs responsible infection. After 3 months of treatment, the doctor evaluates the results and decides to suspend or maintain it.Isotretinoin . This synthetic drug is used when antibiotics are inadequate or when the acne is very severe. It reduces the size of the sebaceous glands and reduces sebum secretion as well as being anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It has many side effects, which requires a careful monitoring.Hormones antiandrogen. They are used, especially in women and give good results. Action prevent acne production of androgens (male hormones).