Acne vulgaris in pictures

Mild acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common problem for the majority of people in their teenage years. It affects more girls than boys and causes big problems for their self-esteem. Most (but not all) cases will clear in adult life.

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory condition affecting the pilosebaceous glands of the hair follicles. Excess production of sebum plugs the follicles and inflammation develops owing to Propionibacterium acnes, which is normally present on the skin. The initial trigger is androgen hormones.

Management depends on the severity of the problem. This patient with white comedones (whiteheads), open comedones (blackheads), and a few inflamed papules and pustules (mild acne) was offered topical applications, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, clindamycin, erythromycin, or tretinoin, once or twice per day.