2. DEFINITION
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units.
It is characterized by the formation of comedones, erythematous papules
and pustules, less frequently by nodules or pseudocysts and, in some
cases, is accompanied by scaring
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5. EPIDEMIOLOGY
Acne affects more than 85 percent of teenagers but frequently continues
into adulthood.
Although there are more than 2 million visits to office-based physicians
per year for patients in the age range of 15 to 19 years, the mean age at
presentation for treatment is 24 years,
6. Only10 % of visits taking place when patients are between the ages of 35
and 44 years.2
The condition usually starts in adolescence and frequently resolves by the
mid-twenties Some degree of acne affects 95% and 83% of 16-year-old
boys and girls, respectively
7. In about 20%, the disease necessitates the help of physician.
Acne develops earlier in females than in males.
The direct cost of acne in the United States is estimated to exceed $1
billion per year, with $100 million spent on over-the-counter acne products
The social, psychological, and emotional impairment that can result from
acne
8. Questionnaire studies have shown that many acne patients experience
• shame (70%),
• embarrassment and anxiety (63%),
• lack of confidence (67%),
• impaired social contact (57%)
• And a significant problem with unemployment
9. Only rarely is prepubertal acne occurs as a cutaneous marker of an
endocrine abnormality such as an adrenogenital late-onset syndrome.
It is not known why acne resolves or why it is more persistent in females.
15. Severe acne
>5 pseudocysts
Total comedo count >100
Total inflammatory count >50
Or, total lesion count >125
16. Predisposing causes
• Patients dealing with oil undoubtedly develop an acneiform oil
folliculitis, particularly on their trunks and limbs. The induction of
chloracne by accidental release of halogenated hydrocarbons or other
chemicals.
• DIET
• STRESS
• PREMANSTURAL
17. PATHOGENESIS
Four major factors are involved in the pathogenesis:
• increased sebum production,
• an abnormality of the microbial flora,
• cornification of the pilosebaceous duct
• and the production of inflammation.
18. Clinical features
Acne is a polymorphic disease,
• On the face (99%)
• on the back (60%)
• chest (15%)
21. PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT
The aims of acne management are:-
• to induce clearance of lesions
• to maintain remission and prevent relapse
• to prevent physical and psychological complications
