A skin disorder characterized by the appearance of redness and pimples. It is more frequent in adolescence, although it can appear at any age and in both genders equally.
It appears when the hair follicles become clogged with oil and/or dead cells. It has been associated with milk consumption and its association with chocolate consumption has been refuted.
It usually manifests with pimples, blackheads or whiteheads on the upper body, especially the face, chest and upper back. If it affects the skin severely, it can cause permanent scarring when the pimples disappear. If the affected area is very extensive and/or if the pimples are very evident, it can cause the person to be embarrassed, withdrawn and anxious. If there is manipulation of the pimples, infection may develop, which may degenerate into scaly and/or ulcerative skin lesions.
It is diagnosed by physical examination, with no need for tests except in very severe cases or cases of uncertain diagnosis.
Treatment may depend on the age and the cause of the acne. Washing the skin with pH-neutral soap and water is recommended. If a known trigger is identified, this should be treated, e.g. by withdrawal of medications that can cause acne.
Medications should be used to reduce oil production, reduce inflammation, promote skin cell renewal and treat/prevent infection. The most frequently used local medications are: retinoids, antibiotics, Dapsone, salicylic acid and azelaic acid. The most frequently used oral medications are oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, oral antibiotics and isotretinoin.
Other therapies used to treat acne include chemical peels, lasers, removal of comedones and steroid injection into the derived cystic lesions.
- Stathakis V, Kilkenny M, Marks R. Descriptive epidemiology of acne vulgaris in the community. Australas J Dermatol 1997; 38:115.
- Wolkenstein P, Machovcová A, Szepietowski JC, et al. Acne prevalence and associations with lifestyle: a cross-sectional online survey of adolescents/young adults in 7 European countries. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018; 32:298.
- Jeremy AH, Holland DB, Roberts SG, et al. Inflammatory events are involved in acne lesion initiation. J Invest Dermatol 2003; 121:20.
- Goulden V, Clark SM, Cunliffe WJ. Post-adolescent acne: a review of clinical features. Br J Dermatol 1997; 136:66.
- Jahns AC, Lundskog B, Ganceviciene R, et al. An increased incidence of Propionibacterium acnes biofilms in acne vulgaris: a case-control study. Br J Dermatol 2012; 167:50.
