Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic skin condition that affects up to 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30, characterized by lesions such as comedones and cysts, primarily on the face, chest, and back. It is caused by a combination of genetic factors, hormonal activity, and bacterial colonization, and can lead to scarring and significant psychosocial issues. The document detailed the case of a 21-year-old woman with severe acne unresponsive to conventional treatments, for whom oral isotretinoin was recommended. The advice for her included taking oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy due to isotretinoin's high teratogenic risk, along with other considerations like sun protection and monitoring for psychiatric side effects. Other treatments like oral antibiotics and hormonal therapies were not considered the primary choice for her case.