The common acne is called Acne Vulgaris. Acne vulgaris begins when oil and dead skin clogs the pores of the face. It can also affect the neck, back, chest and shoulders. If the clogged pores get infected, the result is swelling, pus, inflammation, and tenderness.

Causes of Acne Vulgaris

The exact cause of acne vulgaris is not known. However, there are several factors that seem to start the process that leads to a breakout.

Overactive oil glands - In the teen years especially, but sometimes also during adulthood, the oil glands of the skin become extremely active, making the skin more oily. This oil can get clogged in pores leading to acne.

Hormonal fluctuations - Again, during puberty and the teen years, hormonal fluctuations seem to aggravate acne vulgaris. Adult women may have breakouts during times of hormone swings such as during the menstrual cycle or perimenopause.

Stress - Periods of high stress in a person's life may bring breakouts.

Certain medications - Some medications can aggravate acne vulgaris, or make conditions right for acne to appear.

Genetics - Acne vulgaris seems to run in families.

Diet and Hygiene - It's important to note that a bad diet or lack of cleanliness will not cause acne vulgaris. However, a healthy diet is instrumental in keeping your immune system up to par, and general cleanliness may help to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause blemishes to become infected.

There are other types of acne that can be very severe.

All of these are very severe forms of acne and can be psychologically destructive. But with quick diagnosis they can be treated successfully is a short time.

Acne Conglobata-

Acne Conglobata is a very sever form of acne. In this condition, blackheads are very widespread. Nodules with inflammation form around blackheads. These nodules increase in size rapidly and burst open after sometime. The nodules cause lot of skin scarring and reach the depth of the skin with infection. These are ulcerating nodules and may cause lot of pain and discomfort. Males suffer more than females with Acne Conglobata.

Acne Conglobata forms mainly on the trunk, trunk, buttocks and upper arms. Acne Conglobata usually forms when papules and pustules deteriorate suddenly. Sometimes Acne Congobata also flares up from the acne that is dormant for many years.

The treatment is done with Isotretinoin and antibiotics. The treatment is normally prolonged and may be repeated often to control Acne Conglobata.

Acne Fulminans

Acne Fulminans is severe form of Acne Conglobata. The acne in this case is very severe and ulcerates. Symptoms of fever are present along with acne. Acne Fulminans appears suddenly. Body joints pain, feeling of being unwell, higher white cell count are other signs of Acne Fulminans. Testotestrone that is taken for weight gain may sometimes precipitate acne Fulminans. Acne Fulminans normally does not affect females.

Acne Fulminans is treated with Isotretinoin, antibiotics, steroids, and anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin. You need to consult a dermatologist as soon as you get any symptom of Acne Fulminans.

Gram-negative folliculitis-

This is caused by Gram negative bacteria such as - Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella and Proteus species..

In this condition the hair follicles are severely infected and inflamed. Pus filled pustules are seen extensively on the skin. Gram-negative folliculitis is commonly caused by extensive use of tetracycline or topical antibiotics. This condition is treated with selected antibiotics and Isotretinoin.

Controlling Acne Vulgaris:

To control acne vulgaris, the following steps can be taken. If you are unable to keep your acne in check this way, consult with your dermatologist.

Be sure to wash the affected area twice a day with a gentle cleanser made especially for acne vulgaris symptoms.

Gently exfoliate the affected area twice a week with an exfoliating product especially for acne. Do not scrub the area, as this may aggravate your acne vulgaris.

Use an over-the-counter anti-acne cream or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Use make-up and moisturizers that say "noncomedogenic". This means that they will not clog pores.

Do not squeeze or pick at acne lesions! This will only make acne vulgaris worse.

Keep your diet healthy and well balanced.

Be consistent with treating your acne vulgaris . If your acne vulgaris does not respond well to your at-home treatment, see your doctor or dermatologist. He or she will be able to prescribe more aggressive treatments to help clear up and control your breakouts. Remember that acne vulgaris can be treated, but you must be consistent and give any method of treatment time to work.

Acne vulgaris can occur during the teen or adult years and can cause a lot of stress along with diminished self-confidence.