Acne Vulgaris / Acne

Acne Vulgaris

Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes spots and pimples on the face, shoulders, back, chest and upper arms. This common skin condition affects nearly 50 million Americans yearly and is most common during puberty. The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem and depression.
Acne Vulgaris Medical Conditions researched ForCare Medical Center Clinical Trials

Symptoms of Acne:

Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of acne. Symptoms often include:

  • Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
  • Blackheads (open clogged pores)
  • Pimples (pustules)
  • Small, red tender bumps
  • Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin
  • Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin

Causes of Acne:

Acne occurs when the pores, the small openings in the skin through which hair grows, become blocked. Deep inside each pore is a hair shaft attached to small glands called “sebaceous glands.” These glands secrete a lubricating oily matter, known as sebum, into the pores to moisten the skin and hair. When too much sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells, clogging the pores.

Treatment for Acne:

There are many treatment options available for acne, including:

  • At-home care – Cleaning the skin daily with mild soap and using water-based products
  • Over-the-counter medications – Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, toners, and acid peels
  • Antibiotics – Topical and oral
  • Retinoids – Topical and oral
  • Hormonal therapy – Estrogen-based contraceptives and spironolactone
  • Surgical therapy – Extractions for comedones, scar revisions for pitted, hypertrophic and keloid scars, subcision for pitted scars, carbon dioxide or erbium laser resurfacing and/or deep or medium depth acid peel
  • Photodynamic therapy – Aminolevulinic acid with blue light exposure

At ForCare Medical Center, we can help you manage and treat your acne. Contact ForCare Medical Center today to schedule your appointment.