Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that mainly affects the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. It usually appears on the face, chest, and back, causing pimples, blackheads, and sometimes painful cysts. This condition occurs when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation. Hormonal changes during puberty often trigger acne, but it can affect people of all ages. While acne primarily impacts the skin, it can also affect a person's self-esteem and social interactions due to its visible nature.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit characterized by comedones, papules, pustules, and sometimes nodules or cysts. It results from increased sebum production driven by androgen stimulation, abnormal keratinization leading to follicular plugging, colonization by the anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, and subsequent inflammation. The condition predominantly affects adolescents but can persist or present in adults. The major clinical significance lies in its potential to cause scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can have lasting cosmetic and psychological effects.