Acne is a common skin condition which affects up to 95% of adolescents and can occur in up to 43% of adults in their 30s.1,2,3 Despite being more common and severe in male teenagers, it is found to be more frequent and indeed persistent for adult females.2 Acne is commonly found on the face with clusters usually on the cheeks, chin and forehead, although it can also affect the back and chest as these anatomic areas also have a high density of pilosebaceous units. It is caused primarily by inflammation of the pilosebaceous units, resulting in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions.
There are thought to be four main processes involved in the development of acne: comedones, microcomedones, papules, pustules and nodules. If left untreated, acne can cause scarring, so it is important for practitioners to be able to identify acne in its mildest form to prevent it from worsening and…
