Acne

About Acne

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting approximately 85 percent of people aged 12 to 24 at some point. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil sebum and dead skin cells. The disease involves four key factors: excess sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, Cutibacterium acnes formerly Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, and inflammation. Lesions include comedones whiteheads and blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Severe acne can cause scarring, which has significant psychological impact. Risk factors include puberty hormonal changes, genetics, certain medications corticosteroids, lithium, and hormonal contraceptives, diet high glycemic index foods and dairy may contribute in some individuals, and stress. Treatment is based on severity and chosen with a clinician. Mild acne often responds to topical treatments: benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids adapalene Differin, tretinoin, and topical antibiotics clindamycin, erythromycin. Moderate acne adds oral antibiotics doxycycline, minocycline and hormonal therapy combined oral contraceptives, spironolactone for women. Severe nodulocystic acne is treated with isotretinoin Accutane, which is highly effective but teratogenic requiring pregnancy prevention. Isotretinoin requires monitoring for elevated triglycerides, liver enzymes, and mood changes.