Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicles, characterized by polymorphic inflammatory presentation like comedons, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and often scars. It affects primarily the face, neck, trunk and upper arms. It typically begins at puberty but may last until late adulthood. It can be graded into mild, moderate and severe forms.  It cannot be passed from person to person.

Acne results from many factors like genetic predisposition, androgens, microbial activity and certain inflammatory pathways. Lifestyle, environmental factors, drugs and some medical conditions may predispose to this skin problem.

Medical therapy includes systemic and topical anti-microbials and retinoids. Systemic hormonal therapy can be given to some cases after complete investigations. Other therapeutic modalities include lasers, IPL, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels and complementary therapies. Counseling and lifestyle modification not only alleviates the symptoms but also improves the quality of life of the patient.Consultation with a certified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and management can lead to better health outcome.