Acne - clinical fact sheet and MCQ

Overview

Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous unit in the skin. The condition arises exclusively in the presence of androgens and is typically due to increased sensitivity of the pilosebaceous unit to circulating androgens, rather than elevated androgen levels. 

Adolescents and young adults are more commonly affected. In males, acne tends to be more severe, with peak onset in early puberty and resolving by the third decade of life. Conversely, females often experience acne persisting into older age, even as late as their forties. Acne can also manifest in infants.

Due to the involvement of the pilosebaceous unit, the most commonly affected areas are those of high sebaceous gland density, such as the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Beyond being a dermatological condition, acne can have significant emotional and social repercussions, potentially leading to depression or anxiety, which need to be considered when managing these patients.

Diagnosis of acne