Acne – how to answer the most common questions patients ask?

Acne is one of the most common skin diseases. Acne is virtually universal in young people, but it can also affect adults, particularly women in their twenties.¹ Acne is predominantly seen on the face (in 99%), as well as the back (in 60%) and the chest (in 15%).² Acne is graded as mild, moderate or severe and can vary from comedonal (the presence of whiteheads and blackheads only) acne, where non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions can arise as papules, pustules or deep-seated pustules and nodules.²

Health care professionals will be asked about acne by patients, and they have an essential role in supporting and informing patients about acne management. This article will provide an overview of managing acne by discussing 10 common questions asked by parents and carers. The evidence base is discussed in this article for these frequently asked questions to help health care professionals formulate informative answers for all patients with acne.