Acne Vulgaris
Common chronic skin condition affecting up to 50 million people in the United States annually1
Acne (acne vulgaris) usually begins in puberty with approximately 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experiencing at least minor acne2, however it can occur at any age and can persist into a patients’ 30s and 40s3-5. Several studies have shown that acne can have a profound psychosocial impact on sufferers.6
Acne lesions typically occur on the face, chest, or upper back. The lesions may be noninflammatory closed comedones (papules or whiteheads); open comedones (blackheads); or inflammatory papules, nodules, pustules, and cysts.
Multiple factors can influence the development or severity of acne including genetic disposition, gender, and age. Lifestyle and dietary considerations, such as stress, tobacco smoke and a high glycemic diet may also play a role.
1. Bickers DR, et al. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2006;55:490-500 2. Bhate K, Williams HC. The British journal of dermatology 2013;168:474-85 3. Holzmann R , Shakery K. Skin pharmacology and physiology 2014;27 Suppl 1:3-8 4. Khunger N , Kumar C. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology 2012;78:335-41 5. Tanghetti E et al. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 2014;7:22-30 6. Fried RG, Weschler A. Dermatol Ther. 2006;19(4):237-240
Signs and Symptoms
Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
Blackheads (open plugged pores)
Papules
(small, red tender bumps)
Pimples (pustules – papules with pus)
Nodules
(Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin)
