Acne is an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin. It is characterised by plugged pores, pimples and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back shoulders and upper arms.
Acne is the single most common skin disease worldwide, and affects up to 85% of all adolescent. Adults in their 20s, even into their 40s, can get acne. Even though it is not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. Severe acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring, even less severe cases can lead to scarring.
Acne is graded as mild, moderate or severe. Each year, US dermatologists register nearly 3 million visits concerning acne. Of thos who seek medical advice from a dermatologist, about 50% have moderate, and 20% have severe acne.
There are four major aetiological factores believed to be involved in the development of acne:
- increased sebum production
- abnormal shedding of skin within the hair follicle
- colonisation of bacteria within the follicle
- inflammation