An adolescent with inflamed, red, and painful lesions on the forehead and low self-esteem most likely has which condition?

An adolescent with inflamed, red, and painful lesions on the forehead and low self-esteem most likely has which condition?

• A. Varicoceles
• B. Acne vulgaris
• C. Open comedones
• D. Closed comedones

Answer: (B)

Inflammatory acne during adolescence comes from puberty-driven hormonal changes that increase oil production and promote abnormal follicular keratinization. This creates clogged pores that become inflamed as bacteria (like Cutibacterium acnes) proliferate, leading to red, tender papules and pustules on the face, often on the forehead. The combination of visible facial lesions and prior self-consciousness about appearance explains the low self-esteem. Acne vulgaris is the pattern that fits these findings best, since it encompasses inflammatory lesions in addition to noninflammatory comedones that may be present. In contrast, open (blackheads) and closed (whiteheads) comedones are noninflammatory and don’t account for the red, painful lesions, and varicoceles are unrelated to facial skin lesions.

Inflammatory acne during adolescence comes from puberty-driven hormonal changes that increase oil production and promote abnormal follicular keratinization. This creates clogged pores that become inflamed as bacteria (like Cutibacterium acnes) proliferate, leading to red, tender papules and pustules on the face, often on the forehead. The combination of visible facial lesions and prior self-consciousness about appearance explains the low self-esteem. Acne vulgaris is the pattern that fits these findings best, since it encompasses inflammatory lesions in addition to noninflammatory comedones that may be present. In contrast, open (blackheads) and closed (whiteheads) comedones are noninflammatory and don’t account for the red, painful lesions, and varicoceles are unrelated to facial skin lesions.