Diagnosis and management of acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin disorder of the pilosebaceus unit. Although most common among teenagers, acne can also occur in younger patients and can persist into, or develop in, adulthood. Acne presents with a spectrum of noninflammatory and inflammatory lesions commonly occurring on the face, chest and back. The major goals of acne therapy are treatment of existing acne lesions, prevention of new lesions, limiting duration of the disorder and preventing permanent scarring. This article will look at the pathogenesis, clinical features and diagnosis of acne, followed by a discussion of available treatments.