Pathophysiology of Acne vulgaris
Acne lesions develop in the following four stages –
1 Follicular epidermal hyperproliferation (rapid multiplying of cells) and
hyperkeratinization (cells convert to keratin, a natural part of the hair, too fast and
clump wrongly, causing acne or keratosis pilaris).
2 Excess sebum 3 Propionibacterium acnes
4 Inflammation
Frequency: Acne vulgaris affects 85-95% of people worldwide at some point in their lives. It is
one of the most commonly occurring dermatological disorders in the world. Acne vulgaris seems
to strike people of all races in equal ratios.
Gender: Acne develops in girls between the ages of 10 to 18 years. In boys, acne usually
develops between the ages of 14 to 20 years.
1 Acne vulgaris affects a larger number of boys than girls during adolescence.
2 There is a reversal after adolescence; a greater number of women than men have acne
during adulthood.
Causes: Acne vulgaris can be due to the following reasons:
• A history of acne in the family
• Endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome and adrenal hyperplasia
• Excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands