Acne

Abstract

We can define acne as a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, of multifactorial etiology, in which the stimulation of the sebaceous gland by Propionibacterium acnes plays an important role. Other factors such as genetics and diet have an influence difficult to assess. Although acne usually appears in adolescence, it is not rare to see it in children before puberty and it may persist into adulthood, causing a significant change in the quality of life and self-esteem. Although there is no definitive treatment in children and in adolescence, acne treatment does not differ from that indicated in adults, and in general topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics are mainly used. The use of oral antibiotics, anovulatories and oral isotretinoin is usually limited to moderate and severe acne.