Which statement best describes acne vulgaris in adolescents?

Which statement best describes acne vulgaris in adolescents?

• A. It is a viral infection of hair follicles
• B. It involves inflammatory lesions due to Propionibacterium acnes
• C. It consists only of open comedones
• D. It is caused by excessive sun exposure

Answer: (B)

Acne vulgaris in adolescence arises from puberty-driven changes in the skin: increased sebum production and abnormal keratinization within the hair follicle create blocked pores. Propionibacterium acnes colonizes these clogged follicles and triggers inflammation, producing the papules and pustules that define acne. The bacteria release enzymes and inflammatory mediators in response to the sebum, leading to an inflammatory cascade in the pilosebaceous unit. This explains why inflammatory lesions are central to acne during adolescence. It’s not a viral infection of hair follicles, and acne isn’t made up solely of open comedones—though comedones can be present, inflammatory lesions are common. Sun exposure does not cause acne.

Acne vulgaris in adolescence arises from puberty-driven changes in the skin: increased sebum production and abnormal keratinization within the hair follicle create blocked pores. Propionibacterium acnes colonizes these clogged follicles and triggers inflammation, producing the papules and pustules that define acne. The bacteria release enzymes and inflammatory mediators in response to the sebum, leading to an inflammatory cascade in the pilosebaceous unit. This explains why inflammatory lesions are central to acne during adolescence.

It’s not a viral infection of hair follicles, and acne isn’t made up solely of open comedones—though comedones can be present, inflammatory lesions are common. Sun exposure does not cause acne.