Acne is one of the most commonly presented skin conditions worldwide, with more than 90% of the world’s population affected by the condition at some point during their lives. It usually starts at puberty and varies in severity on areas of the face (99%), back (60%) and chest (15%).1 Acne is also a common in pregnancy. More importantly, for women who are planning a pregnancy or who are already pregnant, it can be bothersome due to the unpredictability of the condition and the fact that the most effective treatments are contraindicated. This is because of the ethical concerns of testing on pregnant women where treatments could always have the potential to cause harm to the foetus.2 Because of its complexity, it is important for practitioners to be aware of the best ways to assess and treat pregnant women who present with acne.
Acne is characterised by open comedones (blackheads) and/or closed comedones (whiteheads), in addition to papules and pustules (pus-filled spots). In cystic acne, patients develop more inflamed…
