VOL 38: November 1992 | MARIE TOSCANO, MD JACQUELINE TOUSIGNANT, MD, FRCPC GILES PANET-RAYMOND, MD, FRCPC
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by the formation of comedones, erythematous papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, which can progress to hypertrophic or atrophic scars. It typically begins in adolescence during puberty, with comedones appearing a few years before the appearance of papulopustular lesions. Adolescents are more frequently affected (60-85%) than preadolescents (30-40%), with 4% of boys and 0.4% of girls experiencing severe cases.
Clinically, acne combines three types of lesions: non-inflammatory (comedones), inflammatory (papules and pustules), and cicatricial (nODULES and CYSTs). Comedones are either open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads). Inflammatory lesions are characterized by redness and swelling, while deep lesions can lead to scarring. Atrophic scars are more common on the face, while hypertrophic and keloid scars are more frequent on the trunk and neck.
The pathogenesis of acne involves altered keratinization, changes in sebum composition and production, and increased bacterial proliferation, particularly by *Propionibacterium acnes*. Androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a significant role in sebum secretion, but most acne cases do not show detectable hormonal abnormalities.
Diagnosis of acne vulgaris is generally straightforward, but a thorough patient evaluation is essential. This includes a detailed history of skin care practices, product use, and previous treatments. The patient's skin should be cleaned gently two to three times daily, and comedogenic products should be avoided. Diet and sun exposure can also influence acne, but their impact is minimal compared to other factors.
Treatment options for acne vulgaris include topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, systemic antibiotics, and isotretinoin. Topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids are effective for non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions, respectively. Systemic antibiotics are used for more severe inflammatory lesions, while isotretinoin is reserved for severe nodulocystic acne. Isotretinoin has significant side effects, including teratogenicity, and requires careful monitoring during pregnancy.
Scarring from acne can be treated with chemical peels, dermabrasion, and注射皮质类固醇, but results may be temporary. Psychological support is crucial due to the psychological impact of acne.Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by the formation of comedones, erythematous papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, which can progress to hypertrophic or atrophic scars. It typically begins in adolescence during puberty, with comedones appearing a few years before the appearance of papulopustular lesions. Adolescents are more frequently affected (60-85%) than preadolescents (30-40%), with 4% of boys and 0.4% of girls experiencing severe cases.
Clinically, acne combines three types of lesions: non-inflammatory (comedones), inflammatory (papules and pustules), and cicatricial (nODULES and CYSTs). Comedones are either open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads). Inflammatory lesions are characterized by redness and swelling, while deep lesions can lead to scarring. Atrophic scars are more common on the face, while hypertrophic and keloid scars are more frequent on the trunk and neck.
The pathogenesis of acne involves altered keratinization, changes in sebum composition and production, and increased bacterial proliferation, particularly by *Propionibacterium acnes*. Androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a significant role in sebum secretion, but most acne cases do not show detectable hormonal abnormalities.
Diagnosis of acne vulgaris is generally straightforward, but a thorough patient evaluation is essential. This includes a detailed history of skin care practices, product use, and previous treatments. The patient's skin should be cleaned gently two to three times daily, and comedogenic products should be avoided. Diet and sun exposure can also influence acne, but their impact is minimal compared to other factors.
Treatment options for acne vulgaris include topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, systemic antibiotics, and isotretinoin. Topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids are effective for non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions, respectively. Systemic antibiotics are used for more severe inflammatory lesions, while isotretinoin is reserved for severe nodulocystic acne. Isotretinoin has significant side effects, including teratogenicity, and requires careful monitoring during pregnancy.
Scarring from acne can be treated with chemical peels, dermabrasion, and注射皮质类固醇, but results may be temporary. Psychological support is crucial due to the psychological impact of acne.