What is Acne Vulgaris ?

Believe it not, there is nothing vulgar about Acne Vulgaris though people through the centuries have vaguely tried to associate this irritating skin condition to intent sexual activity or frequent masturbation. However, one thing is sure that it first raises its head when someone is at puberty, which is when young people experience the thrill of sex. Acne presumably is associated with hormonal spikes in the younger generation standing at the threshold of youth. Incidentally, Acne Vulgaris denotes common acne, colloquially called pimples, spots or zits.

Now, basics of the common acne or Acne Vulgaris and how it creates problems that are not only physical but to a great extent, psychological too.

We all have hairs on our body, through which we perspire. But skin-softening oils or sebum that is produced by the glands located in the epidermis also come out through the same pores. Things look fine as long as long as the oil or traces of it can see the light of the day through the pores but all hell breaks loose when the pores get clogged, preventing the release of the oil.

The pores are usually blocked by naturally occurring dead skin cells. Yes, as a matter of fact, new skin cells are generated all the while, replacing the old dead cells in the body and that’s precisely how we are regenerated every minute. Coming back to the clogged pores, a lot of mischief has already been done there. A veritable quagmire has developed in the form of an oil embargo under the skin, providing superb breeding ground for bacteria’s and Malassezia multiplying in the confines and ready to explore the outside world.

Next comes the outbreak. Unable to withstand the epidermal pressure, the skin inflames, producing pus-filled boil-like tender swellings in the shape of lesions. These mostly appear on the face, throat, chest, shoulders, upper arm and sometimes on the back as well. Typical acne lesions comprise pustules, papules, comedones, nodules, etc. as also inflammatory cysts.

These conditions prevail during the puberty or a few years thereafter, seldom manifesting later and is often related to a typical response to standard levels of hormones. Also unanswered remains the question as to why it diminishes as people grow in years. Since acne vulgaris affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life, it is extremely prevalent.

Apart from the hassle caused by this irritable disorder, acne victims suffer from an inferiority complex, resulting in severe depression and disheartenment that occasionally may even lead to suicide or other method of self-debasement. Studies made by a team of psychoanalysts have recently suggested providing more psychological support to acne sufferers than medical relief. The worst part of the whole story is that it affects people during early adolescence when the need for being socially acceptable reigns supreme in the young heart.

Jen Carter is team member and writes regularily about acne treatment, skin tags and other common conditions for Amoils.com.

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