Acne
Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin condition involving hair follicles and oil glands, managed per the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Guidelines of Care for Acne Vulgaris.
Symptoms
Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones), red inflamed papules and pustules, and in more severe cases, deeper nodules and cysts, most often on the face, chest, and back.
Causes and risk
Excess oil production, clogged follicles, bacteria, and inflammation all interact; on diet, glycemic load and dairy have the more robust supporting evidence, while gut-microbiome links to acne remain earlier-stage research, per current dietary review data -- guidelines do not yet endorse a specific diet as treatment.
How it is evaluated
Diagnosis is clinical, based on lesion type and distribution; severity (mild, moderate, severe) guides the treatment approach.
Treatment
Benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical or oral antibiotics carry strong recommendations for mild-to-moderate acne; isotretinoin is strongly recommended for severe or treatment-resistant acne, per the AAD guideline. Diet and probiotics are positioned as complementary, not substitutes for guideline-based treatment.
When to seek care
Sudden severe acne with fever and joint pain (acne fulminans) needs prompt dermatologic care. Isotretinoin carries pregnancy and mood-related warnings worth discussing directly with your prescriber before starting.