Acne as a Chronic Systemic Disease

The document from 2014 characterizes acne as a chronic systemic disease, meeting the World Health Organization's criteria for chronic diseases due to its long duration, recurrence, and significant psychological and social impact. It is associated with several systemic diseases or syndromes, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), SAHA syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), HAIR-AN syndrome, SAPHO syndrome, and PAPA syndrome. The absence of acne in the Ache hunter-gatherers of Paraguay suggests potential nutritional or genetic factors in acne development. The document also points out the hormonal influences in acne pathogenesis, especially in conditions like CAH, PCOS, and SAHA syndrome, and notes that severe or persistent acne in women may indicate an underlying systemic condition. Acne's association with joint or bone issues may suggest SAPHO or PAPA syndrome, and the unique involvement of the sebaceous gland in PAPA syndrome indicates that IL-1 targeted treatment could be beneficial. The conclusion emphasizes that acne's manifestation in various syndromes supports its classification as an inflammatory disorder and its consideration within the context of systemic diseases.