Acne Vulgaris Workup

  • Author: James Fulton Jr, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Aug 26, 2011
 

Laboratory Studies

The diagnosis of acne vulgaris is clinical. Note the following:

  • In a female patient with dysmenorrhea or hirsutism, a hormonal evaluation should be considered. Patients with evidence of virilization must have their total testosterone levels measured. Many authorities also measure free testosterone, DHEA-S, leuteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels.
  • Skin lesion cultures to rule out gram-negative folliculitis are warranted if the patient does not respond to treatment or improvement is not maintained.
  • Also see the Medscape Acne Resource Center.
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Histologic Findings

The microcomedo is characterized by a dilated follicle with a plug of dense keratin. With progression of the disease, the follicular opening becomes dilated, and an open comedo results. The follicular wall thins, and it may rupture. Inflammation and bacteria may be evident, with or without follicular rupture. Follicular rupture is accompanied by dense inflammatory infiltrate throughout the dermis. Later, extensive fibrosis and scarring may develop.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

James Fulton Jr, MD, PhD  Center for Cosmetic Dermatology; Consultant, Vivant Pharmaceuticals, LLC

James Fulton Jr, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Dermatology Foundation, International Society of Cosmetic and Laser Surgeons, and Skin Cancer Foundation

Disclosure: Vivant Pharmaceuticals Grant/research funds Consulting

Specialty Editor Board

Alexa F Boer Kimball, MD, MPH  Associate Professor of Dermatology, Harvard University School of Medicine; Vice Chair, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital; Director of Clinical Unit for Research Trials in Skin (CURTIS), Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital

Alexa F Boer Kimball, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey Meffert, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Jeffrey Meffert, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE  Medical Director, Clinical Studies Unit, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Associate Scholar, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: AMGEN Consulting fee Consulting; AMGEN Grant/research funds Investigator; Genentech Grant/research funds investigator; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Abbott Grant/research funds investigator; Abbott Consulting fee Consulting; Novartis investigator; Pfizer Grant/research funds investigator; Celgene Consulting fee DMC Chair; NIAMS and NHLBI Grant/research funds investigator

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgments

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author, Julie C. Harper, MD, to the development and writing of this article.

References

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Acne, grade I; multiple open comedones.
Acne, grade II; closed comedones.
Acne, grade III; papulopustules.
Acne, grade IV; multiple open comedones, closed comedones, and papulopustules, plus cysts.
Acne with reactive hyperpigmentation; before treatment.
Acne with reactive hyperpigmentation; after treatment.
 
 
 
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