INTRODUCTION
Acne: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Quality of Life
Acne vulgaris (acne) is an inflammatory skin disorder with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Factors including follicular epidermal hyperproliferation, sebum hyperproduction, inflammation, and colonization by Cutibacterium acnes are implemented in the development and/or exacerbation of acne.1 Depending on disease severity, acne breakouts can consist of non-inflammatory (ie, open blackheads or closed comedones) and/or inflammatory lesions (ie, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and/or macules), frequently appearing on the face but also occurring in other body regions (eg, back, chest). The Global Burden of Disease Project ranks acne as the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide,2,3 with a global prevalence rate estimated at 9.4%. Acne most often occurs in adolescence, with incidence rates peaking between the ages of 14–17 years for females and 16-19 years for males.4,5 This inflammatory skin disorder, however, is also becoming more prevalent among the adult population.5,6 Being a distressing disorder, acne negatively affects the quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing (eg, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem). Acne can also lead to physical complications, such as permanent scarring.7,8
Acne: Prescription Treatments
The choice of prescription treatment for acne depends strongly on the type (inflammatory versus non-inflammatory), underlying causes (eg, polycystic ovarian syndrome), and
Acne vulgaris (acne) is an inflammatory skin disorder with multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Factors including follicular epidermal hyperproliferation, sebum hyperproduction, inflammation, and colonization by Cutibacterium acnes are implemented in the development and/or exacerbation of acne.1 Depending on disease severity, acne breakouts can consist of non-inflammatory (ie, open blackheads or closed comedones) and/or inflammatory lesions (ie, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and/or macules), frequently appearing on the face but also occurring in other body regions (eg, back, chest). The Global Burden of Disease Project ranks acne as the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide,2,3 with a global prevalence rate estimated at 9.4%. Acne most often occurs in adolescence, with incidence rates peaking between the ages of 14–17 years for females and 16-19 years for males.4,5 This inflammatory skin disorder, however, is also becoming more prevalent among the adult population.5,6 Being a distressing disorder, acne negatively affects the quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing (eg, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem). Acne can also lead to physical complications, such as permanent scarring.7,8
Acne: Prescription Treatments
The choice of prescription treatment for acne depends strongly on the type (inflammatory versus non-inflammatory), underlying causes (eg, polycystic ovarian syndrome), and
