A REVIEW ON ACNE

Abstract

Acne is a cutaneous pleomorphic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit involving abnormalities in sebum production and is characterized by both inflammatory (papules, pustules and nodules) and non inflammatory (comedones, open and closed) lesions.   Propioni bacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are common pus-forming microbes responsible for the development of various forms of, acne vulgaris. Common therapies that are used for the treatment of acne include topical, systemic, hormonal, herbal and combination therapy. It is the sequelae of the disease that are the distinguishing characteristics of acne in skin of color, namely post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloidal or hypertrophic scarring. Although often perceived as a self limited disease of adolescence, its prevalence remains high into adulthood. Nearly 90% of teenagers have acne, and half of them continue to experience symptoms as adults. By age 40 years, 1% of men and 5% of women still have lesions. Recent analyses show an increasing prevalence of acne in children, perhaps because of pubertal onset. Although the medical and surgical treatment options are the same, it is these features that should be kept in mind when designing a treatment regimen for acne. In recent years, due to better understanding of the pathogenesis of acne, new therapeutic modalities are designed .Availability of new treatment options to compliment the existing armamentarium should help to achieve the successful therapy of greater numbers of acne patients, ensure improved tolerability and fulfil patient expectations. Successful management of acne needs careful selection of anti-acne agents according to clinical presentation and individual patient needs.