Acne Vulgaris: Causes, Types, Treatment, and Nursing Management

• Acne vulgaris is the most common inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous gland.
• Acne vulgaris begins during puberty and is commonly found in males.
• Acne vulgaris occurs due to abnormality in sebum production.

Definition of Acne Vulgaris

• Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disorder that develops lesions on the face, neck, chest, shoulder, and back due to obstruction and inflammation of the sebaceous gland and follicles.
• Acne vulgaris occurs in different forms such as – comedians, nodules, pustules, and papules.
• Low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety are common features in patients with acne.

Cause of Acne vulgaris

• Unknown
• Increase androgen activity
• Genetic disorder
• Obesity
• Infection of the sebaceous duct
• Hormonal change
• Abnormal follicle differentiation
• Excessive sebum production
• Obstruction in sebaceous duct
• Family history of acne
• The proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes
• Smoking and stress
• Environmental change
• Salon facial massage
• Dietary supplements (High-fat diet).

Pathophysiology of Acne Vulgaris

Cause / puberty

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Increase androgen level

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Excessive enlargement of the sebaceous gland

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Increase production of sebum and oil

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Sebum and oil accumulate below the epidermis

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Acne.

Clinical features of Acne vulgaris

• Closed comedones ( whiteheads )
• Open comedones ( blackheads )
• Small and whitish papules
• Pimples and nodules
• Oily skin
• Localize pain and tenderness
• Pus formation into pustules
• Cysts formation
• Deep scanning.

Diagnostic examination of Acne vulgaris

• Family history collection.
• Physical examination
• Assess endocrine function
• Biopsy of lesions.

Medical management of Acne vulgaris

• Administer topical and oral antibiotics.
• Systemic antibiotics – doxycycline, minocycline.
• Retinoid therapy – reduces abnormal hyperproliferative keratinocytes sites and inhibits sebum production.
• Topical antibacterial and comedolytics.
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Vitamin A acid
• Hormone therapy
• Laser and phototherapy treatment.

Dietary management of Acne vulgaris

• Avoid – chocolate, milk product, tea, coffee, cola, fried foods, excessive oily foods, junk foods, and high spicy foods.

Nursing management of Acne vulgaris

• Nurses conduct physical examinations and collect family history.
• Assess patient endocrine function.
• Monitor patient dietary patterns.
• Nurse advise to patients to wash their face with oil free face wash and water.
• Encourage the patient to avoid high spicy and oily foods.
• Provide instruction about avoiding manipulation of pimple blackheads.
• Nurse provides education about –
• Do not squeeze and prick the acne.
• Do not use oily cosmetics.
• Do not hard scrubs during face wash.
• To maintain a balanced diet.
• Away from a dusty environment.
• Maintain hygiene.

Also Read:-

1. Ear Infection (Otitis Media): Symptoms, Causes
2. Meniere’s Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments
3. Angina Pectoris: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

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