Diagnosis and Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Acne vulgaris usually occurs during puberty due to hormonal changes. However, acne can also occur in adulthood due to factors such as stress, genetics, and overuse of cosmetics. There are various types of treatments for acne, ranging from topical treatments to oral medications and cosmetic procedures. This literature review aimed to describe the diagnosis and treatment of acne vulgaris. Acne is a common skin condition, and the degree of acne can vary from mild to severe. Acne can be classified according to its severity, namely acne degrees I (mild), II (moderate), III (severe), and IV (very severe). Acne therapy that is appropriate to the degree can help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of skin affected by acne. In grade I acne, therapy begins with topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. In grade II acne, acne therapy involves topical and oral treatments. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline can help reduce skin inflammation. In grade III acne, acne treatment usually requires stronger oral medications such as isotretinoin. In grade IV acne, acne therapy usually requires more aggressive interventions such as cyst drainage or laser treatment to remove acne scars. In conclusion, determining the right degree of acne vulgaris can improve the accuracy of therapy and cure.