Acne may be common, but it causes considerable distress
Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease of adolescents and young adults with reported prevalence being nearly 80%. Its predominance in this psychologically labile age group coupled with its potentially lifelong sequelae makes it a matter of huge financial and psychosocial concern
Pathogenesis
Acne has a complex aetiology.The four pillars of acne pathogenesis are:
The disease is limited to pilosebaceous follicles of the head and upper trunk because the sebaceous glands in these regions are particularly active. The primary acne lesion is the “blackhead” , an impaction and distension of the follicle with improperly desquamated keratinocytes and sebum. The stimulus for comedogenesis is uncertain.