Acne--natural history, facts and myths.

This article describes the epidemiology and natural history of acne and discusses the common aetiological myths and beliefs surrounding acne. Acne is a polymorphic disease with noninflammatory and inflammatory aspects and a wide spectrum of severity. The severe inflammatory patterns tend to be those that most frequently scar and therefore require early intervention. The pattern of disease, relative severity, distribution, and patient's social circumstances will influence appropriate management. However, effective management also includes patient education about acne, its natural history, and dispelling acne myths.