Acne Vulgaris Definition, Overview, & Types

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Conditions & Diseases: Skin Diseases & Disorders

Acne Vulgaris

Definition & Overview & Types:

Acne is an inflammatatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit (PSUs) which contains the sebaceous gland and a hair follicle. When the opening or pore to this PSU becomes blocked by other cells, this prevents sebum (an oily substance created by the sebaceous gland) from being released. When sebum and other skin cells are trapped, it allows bacteria to grow inside the pore.

This bactera then attracts white blood cells which cause the entire pore to become inflammated. When the hair follicle ruptures, it spills it's contents of sebum, cells, bacteria, onto the nearby skin which then creates a lesion - also called pimples, zits or spots.

There are approximately eight different types of acne but Acne Vulgaris is the most widespread form and is the most common in teenagers and young adults. The occurence of Acne vulgaris usually begins to decrease as one gets older, but has been known to occur in people in their 30s and 40s.

Types of Acne Vulgaris: In order to understand the different types and stages of acne vulgaris, the entire spectrum must be broken down into a format that's easiest to understand. The two main types of lesions are Noninflammatory and Inflammatory.

Noninflammatory lesions are called comedos and can result in whiteheads or blackheads. Whiteheads occur when trapped sebum and skin cells stay just BELOW the skin's surface. Blackheads occur when the trapped sebum barely breaks through the skin's surface. The trapped sebum oil turns black due to the exposure and should not be confused with dirt. Whiteheads and blackheads do not contact bacteria. However, pimples, (see below) do contain bacteria.
Inflammatory acne consists of pimples and zits (papules and pustules) and in worst cases, nodules and cysts. Nodules are large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin. Cysts also lay deep within the skin but are filled with pus instead of being solid. Both types can produce scarring.

Page Last Modified:
12/01/2011

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