Acne vulgaris is a common condition, which affects most people at some point in their lives (1).

This is a polymorphic eruption primarily of the face, which usually occurs in adolescents during puberty. It also occurs on the upper trunk and neck. It is characterised by the obstruction of the pilosabaceous follicle with keratin plugs. This results in comedones (the primary non inflammatory lesions), inflammation and pustules.

The condition may be triggered by an over-responsiveness of the sebaceous glands to the effects of androgenic hormones which results in an increase in sebum production (1). The anaerobic bacterium, Propionobacterium acnes has an uncertain role. It may colonize the comedones, resulting in inflammation (1).

Occurrence before the onset of puberty requires further investigation to exclude underlying adrenal pathology.

Acne vulgaris can be broadly categorized into:

• mild
• moderate
• severe

Reference:

• 1. Clinical Knowledge Summaries.2006.Acne Vulgaris