Clinical presentation and diagnosis of acne: patient-centric considerations.

Acne is a common dermatologic condition that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. Advances in research have led to more in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition and the development of new therapeutic interventions. Acne is now recognized as a multifactorial disease requiring a multifaceted approach to therapy. Acne can affect individuals of either gender, any ethnicity, and any age group. Nuances in the underlying pathophysiology, distribution, clinical presentation, and differential diagnosis are important to appreciate, as they may substantially contribute to the choice of therapy.