Acne Vulgaris and some of its causes

Acne vulgaris is a more acute form of acne which does not affect all acne patients. It is characterized by inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules, causing great pain for it’s victims.

Acne vulgaris affects the skin areas with a denser population of sebaceous follicles. The most common affected areas are the back, face, upper part of the chest and the neck. It sometimes manifests on other parts of the body such as the genitals and head….

Generally speaking, there are four major factors that cause development of acne lesions. The four factors that are noted to cause acne vulgaris are follicular epidermal hyperproliferation and hyperkeratinization, excess sebum, propionibacterium acnes and inflammations.

Increasing levels of androgen dehydropiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) correlated with emergence of microcomedo, the primary acne vulgaris lesion, can in some cases aggravate the follicular epidermal hyperproliferation. The aggravation can also be stimulated by an alteration in the sebum and lipid levels in the lesions.

Excess sebum in combination with hormonal changes, is the second most common factor in the formation of acne vulgaris. Propionibacterium acnes is a microaerophilic organism found in many acne vulgaris lesions. P. acnes stimulates inflammation by its’ emitting of proinflammatory mediators, which disperse through the follicle wall. Many who develop inflammatory acne vulgaris also suffer from different forms of hypersensitivity to propionibacterium acnes.

A primary or secondary phenomenon in the development of acne vulgaris is inflammation as shown in recent studies. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1a has been noticed in the microcomedone, which may also play a large role in the development of acne vulgaris.

Acne vulgaris not only cause physical pain and mental suffering, it also often leads to scarring that can last a lifetime. It can also result in physical illnesses such as fever and sometimes arthritis. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice your acne getting worse.