Acne vulgaris

It is a chronic skin disease characterized by blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed red lesions seen in oily areas of the skin such as the face, back and chest. The frequency of acne vulgaris, which is one of the most common skin diseases, in adolescence is around 90%. Hormonal causes, especially ovarian cyst, should be investigated in after adolescence cases of acne vulgaris that started in adult women in their 30s. In this group of patients, acne lesions are predominantly located around the mouth and neck. Acne vulgaris must be treated as it can cause psychological problems due to scars and spots on the skin.

It is a disease in which multifactorial causes such as genetics, diet, stress, hormonal factors, excess oil secretion in the skin and pregnancy are prominent in its etiopathogenesis. Long term use of oil based cosmetic products and some intensive concealer make up products in young adult female patients can cause cosmetic acne characterized by open and closed comedones (white oil buttons and blackheads) style acne lesions. If there is menstrual irregularity and hair growth in female patients, hormone tests can be requested and birth control pills can be added to the treatment in addition to acne treatment when necessary. An increase in acne lesions can be seen after excessive consumption of some protein containing foods, especially skimmed milk and cheese products. However, a typical correlation between diet and acne may not accompany in every patient. Although sun exposure is primarily beneficial for acne lesions in some patients, excessive sunbathing and humid climate can often cause acne flare-ups. It is known that masks, which have been used widely due to the pandemic recently, exacerbate acne lesions around the mouth.

The basis of treatment in acne vulgaris is the selection of cosmetic products that include the right cleaning, moisturizing and care products. It is recommended to washing the face twice a day with a washing gel suitable for oily-combination skin without detergent composition, a water-based non-comedogenic daily mattifying / moisturizer application and use water-based sunscreen during the day against sun sensitivity that can be caused by acne treatments. Acne vulgaris is not an infectious disease and the lesions do not improve with frequent washing. Depending on the severity of the acne, topical, topical, systemic or only systemic treatments containing isotretinoin are initiated when deemed appropriate.