Acne juvenilis

Acne is the most common disease in teens, with a prevalence of about 80-90%. The severity of acne varies greatly among individuals, and genetic background plays an important role. Pathogenetic factors include androgen-induced seborrhea, follicular hyperkeratosis, microbial population, and immunological and inflammatory processes. These factors influence each other, leading to the acne phenotype. Classical acne forms must be differentiated from special acne entities. Among those, acne induced by self-administered anabolic steroids ("bodybuilding acne") has especially become a widespread problem. Psychological effects induced by the disfiguring appearance of severe acne manifestations in pubertal adolescents should not be underestimated. Acne juvenilis may be well controlled by a variety of pathogenesis-oriented antiacne treatment strategies. Because the treatment is always longstanding, and success is achieved only after a prolonged period of time, a very good patient-doctor relationship is required.