Acne is the most common skin disorder worldwide. Acne results in non-inflammatory and inflammatory skin lesions usually appearing on the face, neck, back (also known as bacne), chest and shoulders. Acne can also appear on other parts of the body.
Acne is caused by an excess of circulating androgens – a collective term for male sex hormones such as testosterone. These increase the production of oils from the sebaceous gland.
Non-inflammatory and inflammatory Skin lesions:
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Non-inflammatory Acne (skin lesions) |
Inflammatory Acne (skin lesions) |
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Blackheads (comedones) Whiteheads (comedones) |
Erythematous Papules Pustules Nodules Cysts |
Definitions of mild, moderate and severe acne
Acne can be categorised as mild, moderate and severe. Acne treatments vary depending on the category and type of lesions.
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Mild acne |
Open and closed comedones and some papules and pustules |
Fewer than 20 comedones, or fewer than 15 inflammatory lesions, or total lesion count fewer than 30 |
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Moderate acne |
More frequent papules and pustules, often with mild scarring |
20-100 comedones, or 15-50 inflammatory lesions, or total lesion count 30-125 |
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Severe acne |
Also includes nodular abscesses and leads to more extensive scarring |
More than 5 nodules, or total inflammatory count greater than 50, or total lesion count greater than 125 |
Who gets acne?
Most adolescences will experience acne at some point in their lives. For most sufferers, acne will disappear as they get older (by the age of 25), without the need for treatment. However, recent studies reveal that an increasing number of people older than 25 are suffering from acne. It is reported that 12% of women and 3% of men over 25 years have acne.
References
- Layton A, Buchanan P, Courtenay M (2006) Treatment of acne vulgaris. Primary Health Care. 16, 4, 41-50.
- NS467 Penzer R (2008) Providing patients with information on caring for skin. Nursing Standard. 23, 9, 49-55.
- NS490 McWilliam J (2009) Acne vulgaris: clinical features, assessment and treatment. Nursing Standard. 23, 34, 49-56.
- Blenkinsopp and Paxton (2002) . Symptoms in the Pharmacy – A Guide to the Management of Minor Illness 4th edition.
- etzback M, Ayliffe V (2007) An exploration of the causes, treatment and effects of acne. Deramtological Nursing. 6, 1, 26-32.
- Cooke J (2008) How to use antibiotics sensibly in acne vulgaris. Dermatology in practice. 16, 4, 21-23.