Acne vulgaris

The common form of acne seen most often in teenagers or young adults, acne vulgaris is the result of overactive oil glands that become plugged, red, and inflamed. Most outbreaks of acne can be treated by keeping the skin clear and avoiding irritating soaps, foods, drinks, and cosmetics. Severe acne and acne in those who are prone to scarring (see the MedicineNet article on Keloid) can be treated with topical creams and anti-inflammatory medications. Skin damaged by acne can be improved with treatment by a dermatologist or facial technologist. Techniques include dermabrasion (“sanding”), removal of scar tissue via laser,

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acne vul·gar·is -.vəl-'gar-əs, -'ger- n, pl acnae vul·gar·es -'gar-.ēz, -'ger- a chronic acne involving mainly the face, chest, and shoulders that is common in adolescent humans and various domestic animals and is characterized by the intermittent formation of discrete papular or pustular lesions often resulting in considerable scarring

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see acne

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the usual form of acne, a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units; lesions usually occur on the face, chest, and back. The inflamed glands may form small papules (which may surround comedones to give them black centers), or they may form pustules or cysts. The exact cause of acne is unknown, but many factors have been implicated, including hormones, hereditary factors, drugs, stress, and bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes and Malassezia furfur. Called also common a. and a. simplex.