Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (653 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous apparatus associated with an increase in sebum secretion. It is characterized by open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads), and pustular nodules. The cause is unknown, but heredity and age are predisposing factors.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Acne.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Acneiform Eruptions; Sebaceous Gland Diseases
- Narrower topics
- Acne Conglobata
- See also
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 14,875 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Acne Vulgaris” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 3,231 of them (21.7%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 5,775 records.
Reviews account for 2,560 records (17.2%) and meta-analyses for 168. Randomized controlled trials number 1,116 (7.5%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 5,775 |
| 2000-2009 | 2,459 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,410 |
| 2020 onward | 3,231 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 2,560 | 17.2% |
| Meta-analyses | 168 | 1.1% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 1,116 | 7.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Acne Vulgaris"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin
Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies | 2024 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 52 | cc by PMID 38791344 · DOI · PMC11121268 |
| A review of skin immune processes in acne | 2023 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 48 | cc by PMID 38193084 · DOI · PMC10773853 |
| Association of different cell types and inflammation in early acne vulgaris | 2024 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 30 | cc by PMID 38357543 · DOI · PMC10864487 |
| Update of the EuroGuiDerm evidence-based guideline for the treatment of acne-Short version | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 5 | cc by PMID 41847993 · DOI · PMC13308670 |
Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition that can present across different ages but predominantly affects adolescents and young adults.
- Closing excerpt
- This review underscores the importance of personalized approaches to treatment due to the multifaceted nature of acne, highlighting the potential of innovative therapies for improving patient outcomes.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (152 words)
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition that can present across different ages but predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. Characterized by various lesion types, the pathogenesis of acne is complex, involving genetic, hormonal, microbial, and inflammatory factors. This review comprehensively addresses current and emerging acne management strategies, emphasizing both topical and systemic treatments, procedural therapies, and dietary modifications. Key topical agents include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and other specialized compounds. Systemic options like antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and retinoids offer significant therapeutic benefits, particularly for moderate to severe cases. Procedural treatments such as laser devices, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels, and intralesional injections present viable alternatives for reducing acne symptoms and scarring. Emerging therapies focus on novel biologics, bacteriophages, probiotics, and peptides, providing promising future options. This review underscores the importance of personalized approaches to treatment due to the multifaceted nature of acne, highlighting the potential of innovative therapies for improving patient outcomes.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38791344 · DOI · PMC11121268
A review of skin immune processes in acne [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, affecting almost all teenagers worldwide.
- Closing excerpt
- Furthermore, we highlight the significance of detailed spatiotemporal analyses, including analyses of temporal dynamics of immune cell populations as well as single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing, for the development of targeted therapeutic and prevention strategies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (176 words)
Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, affecting almost all teenagers worldwide. Multiple factors, including the excessive production of sebum, dysbiosis of the skin microbiome, disruption of keratinization within hair follicles, and local inflammation, are believed to trigger or aggravate acne. Immune activity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acne. Recent research has improved our understanding of the immunostimulatory functions of microorganisms, lipid mediators, and neuropeptides. Additionally, significant advances have been made in elucidating the intricate mechanisms through which cutaneous innate and adaptive immune cells perceive and transmit stimulatory signals and initiate immune responses. However, our understanding of precise temporal and spatial patterns of immune activity throughout various stages of acne development remains limited. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge concerning the immune processes involved in the initiation and progression of acne. Furthermore, we highlight the significance of detailed spatiotemporal analyses, including analyses of temporal dynamics of immune cell populations as well as single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing, for the development of targeted therapeutic and prevention strategies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38193084 · DOI · PMC10773853
Association of different cell types and inflammation in early acne vulgaris [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Acne vulgaris, one of the most common skin diseases, is a chronic cutaneous inflammation of the upper pilosebaceous unit (PSU) with complex pathogenesis.
- Closing excerpt
- The purpose of this review is to synthesize the association of different cell types with inflammation in early acne vulgaris and provide a comprehensive understanding of skin inflammation and immune responses.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (110 words)
Acne vulgaris, one of the most common skin diseases, is a chronic cutaneous inflammation of the upper pilosebaceous unit (PSU) with complex pathogenesis. Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. During the inflammatory process, the innate and adaptive immune systems are coordinately activated to induce immune responses. Understanding the infiltration and cytokine secretion of differential cells in acne lesions, especially in the early stages of inflammation, will provide an insight into the pathogenesis of acne. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the association of different cell types with inflammation in early acne vulgaris and provide a comprehensive understanding of skin inflammation and immune responses.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38357543 · DOI · PMC10864487
Update of the EuroGuiDerm evidence-based guideline for the treatment of acne-Short version [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- This evidence- and consensus-based guideline for the treatment of acne was developed in accordance with the EuroGuiDerm Guideline and Consensus Statement Development Manual.
- Closing excerpt
- All other aspects remain unchanged from the 2016 guideline.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (215 words)
This evidence- and consensus-based guideline for the treatment of acne was developed in accordance with the EuroGuiDerm Guideline and Consensus Statement Development Manual. This guideline is an update of the 2016 version. This is a short summary of the full version of the EuroGuiDerm Evidence-based Guideline for the Treatment of Acne. For the complete guideline text, detailed methods report, and comprehensive evidence report, please refer to the online full version. In this targeted update, the guideline group prioritized three key clinical questions considered most relevant for current practice: (a) For which types of acne and patient groups should isotretinoin be recommended versus systemic antibiotics, and with what strength of recommendation? (b) What is the appropriate duration for systemic antibiotic therapy? For which types of acne and patient groups should hormonal treatments and spironolactone be recommended, and with what strength of recommendation? For which types of acne and patient groups should new topical treatments, including trifarotene and clascoterone, be recommended and with what strength of recommendation? Additionally, the updated guideline provides revised recommendations regarding: safety of benzoyl peroxide (BPO), selection of systemic antibiotic therapy, treatment considerations during pregnancy, isotretinoin dosing strategies, and the use of hormonal antiandrogenic contraceptives or other combined hormonal contraceptives, as well as spironolactone. All other aspects remain unchanged from the 2016 guideline.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41847993 · DOI · PMC13308670
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris [5]
- Research article Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Review [6]
- Research article Acne vulgaris and risk of depression and anxiety: A meta-analytic review [7]
- Research article Sebaceous immunobiology - skin homeostasis, pathophysiology, coordination of innate immunity and inflammatory response and disease associations [8]
- Research article Isotretinoin treatment for acne and risk of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
- Research article PCOS and Depression: Common Links and Potential Targets [10]
Full-text reviews on EvidenceLib
Open-access review articles about this topic, reproduced in full with authors, licence and references.
Lipid Alterations and Metabolism Disturbances in Selected Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Julia Nowowiejska, Anna Baran, Iwona Flisiak · International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2023 · CC BY 4.0
References
- Kim HJ, Kim YH. Exploring Acne Treatments: From Pathophysiological Mechanisms to Emerging Therapies. . 2024. PMID 38791344 · DOI · PMC11121268
- Jin Z, Song Y, He L. A review of skin immune processes in acne. . 2023. PMID 38193084 · DOI · PMC10773853
- Huang L, Yang S, Yu X, Fang F, Zhu L, Wang L, et al.. Association of different cell types and inflammation in early acne vulgaris. . 2024. PMID 38357543 · DOI · PMC10864487
- Nast A, Al Wattar BH, Beylot Barry M, Brüggemann H, Bukvić Mokos Z, Caruana DM, et al.. Update of the EuroGuiDerm evidence-based guideline for the treatment of acne-Short version. . 2026. PMID 41847993 · DOI · PMC13308670
- Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, Cook-Bolden F, Desai SR, Druby KM, et al.. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024. PMID 38300170 · DOI
- Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF. Management of Acne Vulgaris: A Review. JAMA. 2021. PMID 34812859 · DOI
- Samuels DV, Rosenthal R, Lin R, Chaudhari S, Natsuaki MN. Acne vulgaris and risk of depression and anxiety: A meta-analytic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020. PMID 32088269 · DOI
- Zouboulis CC, Coenye T, He L, Kabashima K, Kobayashi T, Niemann C, et al.. Sebaceous immunobiology - skin homeostasis, pathophysiology, coordination of innate immunity and inflammatory response and disease associations. Front Immunol. 2022. PMID 36439142 · DOI · PMC9686445
- Huang YC, Cheng YC. Isotretinoin treatment for acne and risk of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017. PMID 28291553 · DOI
- Kolhe JV, Chhipa AS, Butani S, Chavda V, Patel SS. PCOS and Depression: Common Links and Potential Targets. Reprod Sci. 2022. PMID 34642910 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.