Acne Vulgaris and its types, symptoms, causes and treatments

Rosy Martin

Published : May 15, 2024

Last Updated : Oct 20, 2024

What is Acne Vulgaris? 

Acne Vulgaris is a common skin condition involving both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. It occurs when bacteria, dead skin cells, and oils block hair follicles.

Often linked to diet, hormones, stress, and genetics, it is most common in teens but can occur at any age. Acne Vulgaris is manageable with OTC treatments, lifestyle changes, and medications.

What are the types of Acne Vulgaris?

Acne refers to blemishes caused by blocked pores from dead skin cells and sebum. Breakouts may involve various types of acne vulgaris, including:

Whitehead 

Whiteheads, or closed comedones, are non-inflammatory blemishes. They appear as small, raised, skin-coloured, or white bumps caused by blocked pores beneath the skin.

Pustules 

Pustules, also called pimples, happen when bacteria within a blocked pore start causing an infection, along with inflammation and pus. 

Blackheads 

Blackheads, or open comedones, are non-inflammatory blemishes. They form when a plug of skin cells and oils exits a pore and darkens upon exposure to oxygen.

Nodular acne 

Nodular acne is severe, with large, inflamed, hard, and painful bumps. These bumps contain pus beneath the skin's surface.

Papules 

When a blockage is caused due to an inflamed bump without pus, papules occur. Papules can further progress to pustules. 

Cystic acne 

Cystic acne occurs when nodules become large and soft due to pus forming closer to the skin's surface. It is considered a severe form of acne.

What are the symptoms of acne vulgaris? 

Acne vulgaris commonly appears on the back, face, chest, and shoulders and is categorized by severity:

• Mild Acne: Fewer than 20 blackheads/whiteheads, less than 15 inflamed pimples/papules.
• Moderate Acne: 20–100 blackheads/whiteheads, 15–50 inflamed papules/pustules, and up to five nodules.
• Severe Acne: Over 100 blackheads/whiteheads, more than 50 inflamed papules/pustules, five or more nodules, and significant scarring.

What are the Causes of acne vulgaris?

There are several causes of acne vulgaris, which can worsen acne. Some of the significant causes of acne vulgaris include:

Hormones

During puberty, increased androgens stimulate sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which traps dead skin cells and blocks pores, raising the risk of acne vulgaris.

In women, hormonal changes from pregnancy, menstrual cycles, birth control pills, PCOS, or thyroid medications can cause acne, with up to 40% experiencing it in their 40s.

Explore: Hormonal Acne: its causes, symptoms, preventions and treatments.

Diet 

Foods with a high glycemic index, like sugary foods, potatoes, processed foods, white bread, and white rice, can increase acne risk. They raise blood sugar, cause inflammation, and boost sebum production.

Skincare 

Certain skincare products block pores and strip oils, increasing acne risk. Avoid alcohol-based toners, harsh cleansers, astringents, and oil-based cosmetics.

Medicines 

Certain medicines affect hormones and sebum production, potentially causing acne vulgaris when treatment stops or hormones become imbalanced. These include oral contraceptives, testosterone, anti-tuberculosis drugs, contraceptive injections, and anabolic steroids.

What are the Treatments for acne vulgaris?

Treatment varies based on severity. Doctors may recommend:

• Lifestyle Changes: Rest to lower cortisol and avoid over-cleansing with harsh soaps or cleansers.
• Medications: Acne medications are used alone or combined, depending on individual needs.

Some of the most common medications for acne treatment include:

Benzoyl Peroxide:

Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents clogged pores. Available in various strengths and forms (washes, creams, gels), it can be purchased OTC or with a prescription. If you want to know, read this blog: How Does Benzoyl Peroxide Treat Acne?

Salicylic Acid:

Available OTC or by prescription, salicylic acid prevents clogged pores and removes dead skin cells to treat acne.

Azelaic Acid:

Azelaic acid, available by prescription as a gel or cream, kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces clogged pores, and is safe during pregnancy.

Antibiotics:

Antibiotics treat acne by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria, particularly in inflammatory lesions. Common antibiotics include minocycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, doxycycline, and sarecycline, available as topical lotions, gels, or oral medications. Use antibiotics only as prescribed by a dermatologist.

Topical Retinoids:

Derived from vitamin A, topical retinoids treat acne and other skin conditions. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is commonly prescribed to reduce pigmentation changes and improve acne scars.

Also, Read: What To Know About Topical Retinoids for Acne?

Oral Isotretinoin:

Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid, treats severe acne, especially cystic and nodular types, or cases unresponsive to other therapies.

Hormonal Therapy:

Hormonal therapy helps women with acne caused by hormonal imbalances. Oral spironolactone reduces androgen levels to improve acne.

Steroid Injections:

Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation in severe nodular and cystic acne.

For acne scars, treatments include laser therapy, dermabrasion, chemical peels, fillers, and microneedling.

If medications fail, Doctors may recommend procedures like chemical peels, drainage, or extractions for moderate to severe acne.

Lifestyle modifications for Acne Vulgaris:

Some lifestyle changes can also help recover from acne Vulgaris and make treatment more effective. Here are some skincare habits that you may include in your routine:

• Wash affected skin gently with soap, but no more than twice daily. Maintain proper hygiene.
• Use non-comedogenic products (moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup) to avoid clogged pores.
• Avoid abrasive cleansers and scrubs to prevent skin irritation or damage.

Find out: How to get rid of body acne?

Summary 

Acne vulgaris is a common form of acne that various factors, such as stress, family genetics, hormones, improper skin care, medicines, and diet, can cause. Therefore, dealing with acne vulgaris and enjoying glowing, radiant skin is easy with the correct diagnosis. 

Also, Discover: Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: Which One Is Better for Acne?