Acne papulosa is a medical term used to describe a skin condition that presents as small, raised bumps on the surface of the skin. The word "acne" derives from the Greek word "akme," meaning "point" or "pinnacle," while "papulosa" is derived from the Latin "papula," meaning "pimple." The IPA phonetic transcription for "acne papulosa" is /ˈæk.ni pæp.jʊˈloʊ.sə/. The spelling of this term reflects the origin of its words, and is consistent with Latin and Greek roots commonly used in medical terminology.
Acne papulosa, also known as papular acne, is a common form of acne vulgaris characterized by the appearance of small red or pink bumps, called papules, on the skin. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that predominantly affects adolescents and young adults, although it can occur at any age.
The development of acne papulosa is primarily attributed to the overproduction of sebum, a natural oil that helps lubricate the skin, and the blockage of hair follicles by dead skin cells and excess sebum. This creates an environment favorable for the growth of bacteria, particularly Propionibacterium acnes, which leads to inflammation and the formation of papules.
The papules associated with acne papulosa are typically tender to the touch and can vary in size, ranging from a few millimeters to a centimeter in diameter. They are raised, dome-shaped lesions that may be surrounded by a red halo and often contain a small, central pus-filled or yellowish head.
Treatment options for acne papulosa aim to reduce sebum production, unclog pores, and target the underlying bacteria. Topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics can be effective, as well as oral medications like antibiotics and hormonal therapy for females. In some cases, procedures like extractions and corticosteroid injections may be performed by dermatologists to treat individual papules.
It is essential for individuals with acne papulosa to maintain a regular skincare routine, avoid irritants and comedogenic products, and maintain good hygiene practices to minimize the risk of scarring and promote healing.
A. vulgaris in which the papular lesions predominate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "acne" originated from the Greek word "aknas", which means "eruption" or "point". The term "papulosa" comes from the Latin word "papula", which means "pimple" or "papule". Therefore, "acne papulosa" is a Latin-based term that describes a specific type of acne characterized by the presence of papules, which are small, inflamed elevations on the skin.