Laboratory Studies

The diagnosis of acne vulgaris is clinical. Consider polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in female patients with oligomenorrhea, hirsutism, and/or acanthosis nigricans in addition acne: These patients should be evaluated with total and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone values, as well as a lipid panel, glucose value, and insulin level.

Also see Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Skin lesion cultures to rule out gram-negative folliculitis are warranted if the patient does not respond to long-term antibiotic treatment or improvement with antibiotics is not maintained.^[33]

Also see the Medscape Acne Resource Center.

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.^[34]

Treatment & Management

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Media Gallery

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.

of 6

Author

Jaggi Rao, MD, FRCPC Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Sciences, Director of Dermatology Residency Program, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Canada

Jaggi Rao, MD, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Canadian Dermatology Association, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Medical Protective Association, Pacific Dermatologic Association, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Jennifer Chen, MD Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

David F Butler, MD Former Section Chief of Dermatology, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System; Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Founding Chair, Department of Dermatology, Scott and White Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Phi Beta Kappa, Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

William D James, MD Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, Vice-Chairman, Residency Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

William D James, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Elsevier; WebMD<br/>Served as a speaker for various universities, dermatology societies, and dermatology departments.

Additional Contributors

Joshua A Zeichner, MD Assistant Professor, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; Chief of Dermatology, Institute for Family Health at North General

Joshua A Zeichner, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, National Psoriasis Foundation

Disclosure: Received consulting fee from Valeant for consulting; Received grant/research funds from Medicis for other; Received consulting fee from Galderma for consulting; Received consulting fee from Promius for consulting; Received consulting fee from Pharmaderm for consulting; Received consulting fee from Onset for consulting.

Acne Vulgaris Workup

Laboratory Studies

Histologic Findings

References

Tables

Contributor Information and Disclosures

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