Acne vulgaris, also known as acne, is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles are clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin.[1] Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and greasy skin, and may result in scarring.[2][3][4] The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem and, in extreme cases, depression or thoughts of suicide.[5][6]
Genetics is thought to be the cause in 80% of cases.[3] The role of diet and cigarette smoking is unclear and neither cleanliness nor sunlight appear to be involved.[3][7][8] Acne primarily affects skin with a greater number of oil glands, including the face, upper part of the chest, and back.[9] During puberty, in both sexes, acne is often brought on by an increase in hormones such as testosterone.[10] Excessive growth of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, which is normally present on the skin, is often involved.
