Acne vulgaris is a very common skin condition that occurs when your pores get clogged with dead skin cells, and oil causing blackheads or white heads. Vulgaris term means common, acne are also known as pimples, zits or spots. They are common in all age groups but mostly found in teenagers.

What are the various causes for acne?

The following reasons are known to cause acne:-

1. Genes:- acne is an inherited condition.

2. Hormones:- androgens from testes, ovaries and adrenals cause increased sebum production that leads to acne.

3. Medications:- like corticosteroids, and medications containing testosterone also trigger acne.

4. Stress:- stress causes new acne and worsens the existing ones.

5. Diet:- high glycemic and high carbohydrate diet cause acne. Milk and milk products are also known to cause acne.

What are the signs and symptoms of acne?

Acne are divided into 3 types and symptoms vary with each type. Types or grading of acne is as follows:-

• Mild acne

• Moderate acne

• Severe acne

Mild acne:- there is only presence of clogged pores or comedones with some inflammation only over the face.

Moderate acne:- presence of papules and pustules over face as well as on the chest or back.

Severe acne:- when there is presence of nodules(cyst) under the skin with size varying from 2mm to 5 mm along with inflammation is severe acne. This type of acne causes scarring.

What are the risk factors associated with Acne vulgaris?

Risk factors in acne vulgaris are as follow:-

Genetic predisposition:- acne is known to pass from parents to children. 81% of cases fall under genetic predisposition.

Hormonal changes:- acne during puberty, pregnancy or while suffering from PCOD are due to androgens and other hormonal changes in the body.

Sun exposure:- sunlight is known to decrease and also known to stimulate acne on the skin.