Catherine Chen, MD, Judith V. Williams, MD, 2016. "Acne (Chapter 209)", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Acne is so prevalent in adolescents and young adults that some people consider it a physiologic event. This perspective does not take into account the effect of acne on the patient, and it may preclude therapeutic intervention. Acne is a treatable disease that deserves medical attention.
Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit.1,2,3 Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, which enlarge and increase their production of sebum. Before puberty, the responsible androgens are of adrenal origin.4 After puberty, gonadal androgens further stimulate the sebaceous glands. Patients who have acne may have normal levels of...