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Acne Vulgaris And Its Causes |
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Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne or pimples, is a
common skin disorder that plagues about 85% to 100% of people at some
time during their lives. It affects people of every age, gender and
race, although it is more evident in teenagers. Acne vulgaris is
actually characterized by non-inflammatory follicular papules or
comedones as well as by inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules in
its more acute forms.
Acne vulgaris occur as it affects the areas of the skin
with the densest population of sebaceous follicles. The common areas affected
are the face, neck, upper part of the chest, and the back, although it may also
appear on different parts of the body like the head and the genital area.
Numerous studies have noted that there are generally four major factors that are
responsible for the development of an acne lesion. The pathogenesis of
acne vulgaris is deemed multifactorial due to this finding. These four
factors that trigger the development of acne vulgaris include the
follicular epidermal hyperproliferation and hyperkeratinization, excess
sebum, propionibacterium acnes, and inflammation.
The follicular epidermal hyperproliferation and hyperkeratinization actually appears to
be one of the main events in the formation and development of acne
vulgaris. The findings have noted that the increasing levels of the
adrenally derived androgen dehydropiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) are
correlated with the emergence of the microcomedo, which is actually the
primary acne vulgaris lesion. This development may then aggravate the
follicular epidermal hyperproliferation, which may also be stimulated by
an alteration in sebum and lipid levels in the acne vulgaris lesions.
Excess sebum is the second factor in the formation of acne vulgaris. It plays
its role as the hormonal changes greatly trigger the formation of acne
vulgaris. Then, there is the P. acnes, which is a microaerophilic
organism found in many acne vulgaris lesions. It basically stimulates
inflammation by emitting proinflammatory mediators that disperse through
the follicle wall. Some findings also note that hypersensitivity to P.
acnes can explain why many of the people develop inflammatory acne
vulgaris.
Finally, recent studies have shown that inflammation
may be a primary or secondary phenomenon in the development of acne
vulgaris. Its secondary inflammatory response has been shown on its
association to P. acnes. However, the proinflammatory cytokines
IL-1??expression has been recognized in the microcomedone, which may
play a large role in the formation of acne vulgaris.
Acne vulgaris, through recent findings, has been found out to cause physical
pain and psychological suffering. It can even lead to scarring which may
last for a lifetime, and certain illness like fever and arthritis may
result from it.
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