Acne: Pathogenesis, therapy and social effects

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition with substantial cutaneousand psychologic disease burden. The emotional impact of acne iscomparable to that experienced by patients with systemic diseases, likediabetes and epilepsy. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial and complex,including obstruction of the pilosebaceous unit due to increased sebumproduction, abnormal keratinization, proliferation of Propionibacteriumacnes and inflammation. Topical agents (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide andantibacterials) are the most commonly used therapy for acne. Newertopical therapy, such as photodynamic therapy, has been proposed toincrease efficacy when conventional therapies are ineffective. Thischapter discusses the etiology, pathogenesis, treatment and psychologicalimpact of acne vulgaris. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.