Acne Vulgaris

Acne Vulgaris is a common skin condition characterized by the presence of comedones, papules, pustules, and sometimes cysts primarily on the face, back, and shoulders. It is most prevalent in adolescents but can occur at any age. Key clinical points include: 1) It is caused by the overproduction of sebum, clogged hair follicles, and the presence of Propionibacterium acnes. 2) Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, can exacerbate the condition. 3) Acne can lead to psychological distress and scarring if not treated appropriately. Typical use cases for this diagnosis code include patients presenting with inflammatory lesions, non-inflammatory lesions, or a combination of both. The pathophysiology involves the obstruction of the pilosebaceous unit, leading to inflammation and secondary bacterial infection. Clinically, patients may present with varying degrees of severity, from mild comedonal acne to severe cystic acne requiring systemic therapy.