Acne aestivalis

Acne aestivalis

Acne Aestivalis

Acne aestivalis is also known as mallorca acne. Acne aestivalis is a form of light-sensitive acne. That is to say, it is triggered by sun exposure. Acne aestivalis is characterized by multiple tightly-clustered eruptions of simple red papules forming on the skin after exposure to sunlight. It should be noted that only sun exposure and its relevant ultraviolet rays will cause acne aestivalis; merely bright lights or lights from any other source will not. Acne aestivalis is frequently associated with various skin cancers, but in truth, this is because both share a common root in sun overexposure. Acne aestivalis could nearly be thought of as a warning mechanism to indicate that the individual is spending too much time in the sun.

Acne aestivalis is very distinctive from other forms of acne due to the uniform nature of its breakout, as well as the distinctly red coloration of the papules.

Individuals that sunbathe with or without skin protection are more prone to acne aestivalis than anyone else. While casual sun exposure can cause a breakout of acne aestivalis, prolonged sun exposure is far more likely to spark a case. The use of sunscreen does not assay the risk of an acne aestivalis outbreak; sun exposure writ large is the culprit in acne aestivalis’ cause. Individuals that use sunscreen are only very mildly protected with regards to acne aestivalis.

Individuals such as manual laborers who must spend multiple hours each day outdoors may be at risk as well, although this generally involves more oblique sun exposure. The more direct the sun exposure suffered, the greater the chance of an outbreak. Risk can be reduced by covering the skin with clothing, or with wide-brimmed hats for those that it would not be a safety risk for (gardeners, for instance, could wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade themselves almost entirely from the sun, while a construction worker could not do so safely).

Acne aestivalis is not a common condition. While it is not rare or unheard of, most simply don’t need to deal with it at any point in their lives. Further, individuals of darker complexions are fairly insulated against acne aestivalis; the paler the skin, the greater the risk, and vice-versa.

Individuals that are generally resistant to sunburn and other such skin conditions will not necessarily be immune or resistant in any way to acne aestivalis. Some individuals develop acne aestivalis at the same time as they burn in the sun, others develop acne aestivalis after burning. Still others develop acne aestivalis as a result of sun exposure without burning at all. In any case, acne aestivalis indicates that the individual has spent too much time in the sun and needs to extricate themselves from sun exposure as soon as possible.

Acne aestivalis is caused by sun exposure. There are no other causes known for acne aestivalis, and no contributing factors that lead to acne aestivalis specifically. Other conditions that may exacerbate other forms acne may also exacerbate acne aestivalis, but they cannot cause acne aestivalis; acne aestivalis is a stand-alone condition brought about by sunlight.

Acne aestivalis is, in general, less of a nuisance than most cases of acne. It is unsightly and can be uncomfortable, but the pustules rarely swell in the same manner as in other forms of acne, so the risk of scarring and infection is much lower. Acne aestivalis does still carry the standard suite of potential secondary effects, however: acne aestivalis breakouts are more susceptible to excoriation and subsequent infection than the rest of the skin, and if an acne aestivalis breakout is scratched or otherwise mechanically abused, permanent scarring can occur.

Acne aestivalis in and of itself is not dangerous. It is quite unsightly and a nuisance, but it is not life-threatening, nor does it pose a long-term risk to greater bodily health. That said, acne aestivalis incidence indicates a sensitivity to the sun in excess of what the body can stand. Some individuals sunburn very easily, and others do not; likewise, some individuals contract acne aestivalis very quickly, and others do not. Whether or not the rest of the skin is sunburned, an acne aestivalis breakout indicates that the afflicted has been spending too much time in direct sunlight, which can cause many more difficult health and cosmetic problems in the future, including wrinkles and rough skin. Further sun exposure may cause skin cancer. Thus, any case of acne aestivalis should be taken as a hint that the afflicted needs to change their outdoor behavior.

Acne aestivalis treatment is the standard regimen for environmental acne breakouts. First and foremost, the individual must be removed from the source of the acne. In this case, the source is the sun. While the individual does not need to begin spending all of their hours indoors, they do need to pull themselves away from sunbathing. Sunbathing more carefully with sunscreens, or stronger variations thereof will not be sufficient. They must stop sunbathing and, as best as possible, limit sunlight contact with the afflicted areas. Further treatments are symptomatic for the breakout itself, and include antibiotic regimens. These regimens vary depending upon the patient’s own tolerance and allergies for antibiotics, but are generally a very low dose.

If you have suffered a distinctive acne outbreak after sun exposure, it is entirely likely that you are suffering from acne aestivalis. If you have been spending regular time in the sun, it is more likely that you have suffered from a breakout of acne aestivalis. Furthermore, if you are Caucasian, you are at greater risk. Acne aestivalis is difficult to mistake for other forms of acne due to the nature of its red lesions. If this breakout coincides with sun exposure, cease sunbathing immediately and contact your physician as soon as possible.