Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves the pilosebaceous follicle, having a complex etiopathogenesis; up to 80% of the population will suffer at least one episode of acne during their lifetime, thus acne is one of the most frequent pathologies in the dermatologic practice.

Acne can manifest through either non-inflammatory lesions such as open or closed comedones (known as blackheads and whiteheads), or inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, nodules), or more frequently to combine both types of lesions.

Most frequently, the onset of acne is at puberty, at the same time with the numerous hormonal changes associated with this age. There are also types of acne with onset during childhood or adulthood, showing that acne is not strictly confined to adolescence.

The causes of acne are multiple. This appears due to a genetic predisposition, and involves numerous pathophysiological processes that lead to lesions (follicular hyperkeratinization, increased sebum production, follicular colonization with Propionibacterium Acnes and increased presence of pro-inflammatory mediators in the skin). Also, there are a number of aggravating factors to be considered in patients with acne – hormonal imbalances with increased production of androgen hormones (eg Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), comedogenic cosmetic agents, medication (eg corticosteroids).

Yes, acne can occur in several clinical forms. Depending on the type and number of lesions, it is divided into non-inflammatory acne – comedogenic acne and inflammatory acne – mild, moderate or severe papular pustular acne, nodular acne and conglobate acne.

Although not a dangerous condition, acne, especially in its severe forms, can leave unsightly scars and cause, especially among adolescents, emotional problems.

Today, with the help of the constant evolution in the medical field, it is considered that any form of acne can be kept under control.

After a consultation, the dermatologist will determine the optimal treatment for each individual patient, depending on the type of acne, location, its history. In addition to home treatment (either in the form of topical treatment or in combination with oral therapy), there are numerous methods of therapy in the clinic (chemical peeling, light therapy, laser, intralesional injections with corticosteroids), which are addressed to both. active acne lesions, as well as scars.

Contrary to unverified opinions, acne does not go away with the passing of adolescence, so it is important to contact a specialist dermatologist since the early stages of the disease, in order to establish an optimal treatment.

No. Post acne scars can have many forms (atrophic, depressed scars, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), but with the ever-evolving medical field, today scars are considered treatable, with the results remaining lifelong.

Although acne does not occur as a result of an incorrect diet, but on an individual genetic predisposition associated with favorable factors, clinical studies have shown that some foods can lead to acne exacerbation. Foods with a high glycemic index, excess dairy products (especially milk), products containing an increased amount of iodine, fast-food foods are thus avoided.