What Are Acne & Pimples?
Acne is a common chronic disorder affecting the hair follicle and sebaceous gland, in which there is expansion and blockage of the follicle and inflammation. There are several variants.
Who gets acne?
Acne affects males and females of all races and ethnicities. It is prevalent in adolescents and young adults, with 85% of 16-18 year olds affected. However, it may sometimes occur in children and adults of all ages.
What causes acne?
Acne is due to a combination of factors. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Familial tendency
- Endogenous and exogenous androgenic hormones
- Acne bacteria
- Innate immune activation with inflammatory mediators
- Distension and occlusion of the hair follicles
Flares of acne can be provoked by:
- Polycystic ovarian disease
- Drugs: steroids, hormones, anticonvulsants, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and others
- Application of occlusive cosmetics
- High environmental humidity
- Diet high in dairy products and high glycaemic foods
What are the clinical features of acne?
Acne is often confined to the face but it may involve neck, chest and back.
It is characterised by:
- Open and closed uninflamed comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)
- Inflamed papules and pustules
- In severe acne, nodules and pseudocysts
- Post-inflammatory erythematous or pigmented macules and scars
- Adverse social and psychological effects
Severity is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
- Mild acne: total lesion count <30
- Moderate acne: total lesion count 30–125
- Severe acne: total lesion count >125
What tests are necessary in acne?
In most cases, tests are unnecessary. If features are atypical consider:
- Skin swabs for microscopy and culture
- Hormonal tests in females