Acne Vulgaris

Definition

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition characterized by the development of pimples, blackheads, and other blemishes on the face, chest, and back. It is caused by a combination of factors, including overproduction of oil, clogged pores, and bacterial infection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects up to 50 million people in the United States, primarily adolescents and young adults.
2. The overproduction of sebum, combined with the buildup of dead skin cells, can clog pores and provide an ideal environment for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.
3. Inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules and pustules, can develop when the immune system responds to the presence of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria in the clogged pores.
4. Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, can contribute to the development of acne by stimulating the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum.
5. Certain lifestyle factors, such as stress, diet, and certain medications, can also play a role in the development and severity of acne vulgaris.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of sebum and Propionibacterium acnes in the development of acne vulgaris.
  • Sebum, the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands, can combine with dead skin cells to clog pores. This creates an ideal environment for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that lives on the skin. When Propionibacterium acnes proliferates in the clogged pores, it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the development of acne lesions such as papules and pustules.
• Describe how hormonal changes can contribute to the development of acne vulgaris.
  • Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This increased sebum production, combined with the buildup of dead skin cells, can lead to the formation of comedones (clogged pores) that provide an ideal environment for the growth of Propionibacterium acnes. The resulting inflammation can then lead to the development of inflammatory acne lesions, such as papules and pustules.
• Analyze the potential impact of lifestyle factors on the development and severity of acne vulgaris.
  • Certain lifestyle factors, such as stress, diet, and certain medications, can also play a role in the development and severity of acne vulgaris. Stress can increase the production of hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased sebum production and a higher risk of developing acne. Similarly, certain dietary factors, such as high glycemic index foods, may contribute to acne by influencing hormonal levels and inflammation. Additionally, some medications, such as certain corticosteroids, can also exacerbate acne by altering the skin's sebum production and immune response.

Related terms

Sebum:

The oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin, which can contribute to the development of acne.

Propionibacterium acnes:

A type of bacteria that lives on the skin and can contribute to the development of acne by causing inflammation.

Comedones: Clogged pores in the skin, which can lead to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads, two common types of acne lesions.