Acne vulgaris and variants

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial, inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit (comprising the hair follicle and sebaceous gland), primarily involving the face, chest, and back. It is a chronic disease with a potentially severe impact on the quality of life and self-image of all age groups affected. It has been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Therefore, clinicians must be well informed on the pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, grading of severity, treatment algorithm, and pharmacology of the medications used for acne.