Caracterización de la población con obstrucción de poros faciales a quienes se les aplico laserterapia en la Unidad de Dermatología UNIMEL / Characterization of the population with facial pore obstruction to whom laser therapy was applied at the UNIMEL Dermatology Unit / Caracterização da população com obstrução dos poros faciais a quem foi aplicada terapia a laser no Serviço de Dermatologia da UNIMEL

INTRODUCCIÓN: el poro es un orificio de excreción que se encuentra en la epidermis de la piel, en donde pueden producirse problemas de eliminación deficiente del sebo en personas que presentan exceso de grasas. OBJETIVO: analizar las características y tratamiento laser aplicado a la población con obstrucción de poros faciales que acuden a la consulta de la Unidad de Dermatología UNIMEL. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo, de campo, prospectivo y transversal, la población fue de 653 pacientes de ambos sexos que acudieron a la consulta de dermatología y recibieron laserterapia por presentar obstrucción de poros faciales. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva para la representación de datos. El instrumento utilizado fue una lista de registro. RESULTADOS: los pacientes presentaron una edad promedio de 37 años, se aplicaron diferentes tratamientos según los criterios diagnósticos, se les realizó el procedimiento de fotona Black peel en un 0,15%, Vela de Nova en un 5,05% y Qs Quimioespectra a un 94,79% que representan un total de 619 personas. CONCLUSIÓN: el mayor grupo de pacientes que asistió a tratamiento se ubicó entre los 31 a 40 años de edad, un alto porcentaje mujeres afectadas por secuelas de daño facial producido por obstrucción de los poros y acumulación de sebo, un grupo importante 48,8% presenta acné posterior a los 18 años de edad.

INTRODUCTION: the pore is an excretion hole found in the epidermis of the skin, where problems of poor sebum removal can occur in people with excess fat; irregular synthesis occurs in the production of sebum increases its production with occlusion of the pores by dead cells. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the characteristics and laser treatment applied to the population with facial pore obstruction that come to the UNIMEL Dermatology Unit consultation. METHODS: a descriptive, field, prospective and cross-sectional study, the study population was 653 patients of both sexes who attended the dermatology consultation and received laser therapy for presenting facial pore obstruction. Descriptive statistics were applied for data representation. The instrument used was a registration list. RESULTS: the patients had an average age of 37 years, different treatments were applied according to the diagnostic criteria, and the photone Black peel procedure was performed in 0.15%, Nova candle in 5.05% and Qs Chemospectra at 94.79% representing a total of 619 people. CONCLUSION: the largest group of patients who attended treatment was between 31 to 40 years of age, a high percentage of women affected by sequelae of facial damage caused by pore obstruction and sebum accumulation, an important group 48.8% you have acne after 18 years of age.

INTRODUÇÃO: o poro é um orifício de excreção que se encontra na epiderme da pele, onde podem ocorrer problemas com a má remoção de sebo em pessoas com excesso de gordura. OBJETIVO: analisar as características e o tratamento a laser aplicado à população com obstrução de poro facial que frequenta a consulta do Serviço de Dermatologia da UNIMEL MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo, de campo, prospectivo e transversal, a população foi de 653 pacientes de ambos os sexos que compareceu à consulta de dermatologia e recebeu terapia a laser devido à obstrução dos poros faciais. Estatísticas descritivas foram aplicadas para representar os dados. O instrumento utilizado foi uma lista de registro. RESULTADOS: os pacientes tinham idade média de 37 anos, diferentes tratamentos foram aplicados de acordo com os critérios diagnósticos, o procedimento de fotone Black peel foi realizado em 0,15%, Vela de Nova em 5,05% e Qs Chemospectra em 94,79% representando um total de 619 pessoas. CONCLUSÃO: o maior grupo de pacientes que frequentou o tratamento teve entre 31 e 40 anos de idade, elevado percentual de mulheres acometidas por sequelas de lesões faciais causadas por obstrução de poros e acúmulo de sebo, importante grupo 48,8% tem acne após 18 anos de idade.

Signaling Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris / 中国医学科学院学报

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of hair follicle sebaceous gland units,with an incidence of up to 85% in adolescents.The pathogenesis is closely related to androgen,sebum secretion,lipophilic microbial infection,and immune-inflammatory reaction.This article reviews the signaling pathways related to acne from the aspects of inflammatory signaling pathways and sebum secretion pathways.

Adult female acne: a guide to clinical practice

Abstract: Background: Acne in women is often associated with anxiety and depression, and may persist from adolescence as well as manifest for the first time in adulthood. Genetic and hormonal factors contribute to its etiopathogenesis, and maintenance treatment is required, usually for years, due to its clinical evolution. Objective: To develop a guide for the clinical practice of adult female acne. Methods: A team of five experts with extensive experience in acne conducted a literature review of the main scientific evidence and met to discuss the best practices and personal experiences to develop a guide containing recommendations for the clinical practice of adult female acne. Results: The group of specialists reached consensus on the main guidelines for clinical practice, providing detailed recommendations on clinical picture, etiopathogenesis, laboratory investigation and treatment of adult female acne. Conclusion: Different from teenage acne, adult female acne presents some characteristics and multiple etiopathogenic factors that make its management more complex. This guide provides recommendations for best clinical practices and therapeutic decisions. However, the authors consider that additional studies are needed in order to provide more evidence for adult female acne to be better understood.

The Difference in Sebum Secretion Affecting Development of Acne

BACKGROUND: Although sebum secretion is crucial for acne development, acne lesion distribution is not always similar to the topographic differences of sebum secretion. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether sebum secretion affects acne development and distribution and to assess other factors possibly influencing the relationship between acne and sebum secretion. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 67 acne patients and 50 controls. Acne patients were divided into 3 groups based on acne lesion distribution: T-zone dominant, U-zone dominant, and mixed groups. The secreted sebum level in each zone of acne patients was compared with that of controls. We also conducted correlation analysis between secreted sebum level and acne number, depending on the facial zone. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between acne patients and controls regarding age and sex ratio. The U-zone dominant group showed increased sebum levels compared with controls in the U-zone and whole face, but a similar result was not obtained in the T-zone dominant group. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the number of lesions and secreted sebum level in the U-zone, but not in the T-zone. Further, there was a more significant relation in the U-zone of male and young patients. CONCLUSION: We found that increased sebum secretion compared with the condition may affect acne development, especially in the U-zone. Sex and age may also influence the relationship between acne and increased sebum secretion. Acne lesion distribution may vary from patient to patient because sebum secretion affects acne differently depending on multiple factors.

Unilateral acne after facial palsy

Abstract: We describe a case of unilateral acne which appeared after an episode of facial nerve palsy. An 18-year-old female patient presented with papules and pustules predominantly located on the side where the facial paralysis occurred. The patient suffered right facial paralysis, which was treated with prednisone and kinesiotherapy with massages, electrostimulation, and infrared light. Two weeks later, acne lesions appeared in the area affected by the paralysis. As suggested in other cases of paralysis, including cases of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, an increased sebum excretion rate and the immobility of the affected area are most likely what caused the unilateral acne lesions.

Platycodin D May Improve Acne and Prevent Scarring by Downregulating SREBP-1 Expression Via Inhibition of IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt Pathway and Modulating Inflammation with an Increase in Collagen

BACKGROUND: Although many therapeutic agents have been developed, only a few drugs are known to target multiple pathogenic factors in the treatment of acne. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify a new drug candidate, platycodin D, which is a substance extracted from the root of Platycodon grandiflorum. METHODS: Using western blotting and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, we studied the effects of platycodin D on SEB-1 sebocytes, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. We investigated its effects in view of lipogenesis, collagen production, anti-inflammatory activity, and dyskeratinization. RESULTS: In SEB-1 sebocytes, platycodin D showed a sebosuppressive effect by downregulating ERK and insulin- like growth factor-1R/PI3K/Akt/sterol-regulatory element binding protein-1 signaling pathways. In addition, adiponectin, one of the adipokines responsible for sebum production, was decreased in platycodin D-treated SEB-1 sebocytes. In fibroblasts, platycodin D increased collagen production and reduced inflammation by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B and matrix metalloproteinases. Platycodin D also showed anti-inflammatory effects on keratinocytes. It also suppressed keratin 16 expression induced by lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, platycodin D showed no cytotoxicity on both SEB-1 sebocytes and fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate the clinical feasibility of platycodin D for acne treatment and the prevention of acne scarring by sebosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as through an increase in collagen levels.

Isoginkgetin Inhibits Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1-Induced Sebum Production in Cultured Human Sebocytes

No abstract available.

Pharmacological treatment options for acne

Acne vulgaris is a very common condition affecting up of about 80% to 90% of adolescents. The patients with acne have been shown to be adversely impacted by the effect of acne on their quality of life. Four factors are believed to play a key role in the development of acne lesions: excess sebum production, disturbed keratinization within the follicle, colonization of the pilosebaceous duct by Propionibacterium acnes, and the release of inflammatory mediators into the skin. Consequently, the target for acne therapy is these well-known pathogenic factors responsible for this disease state. Topical retinoids correct abnormal keratinization, but it should be applied cautiously because of irritation. Benzoyl peroxide is an effective bactericidal agent against P. acnes. Main topical antibiotics are erythromycin and clindamycin. Fixed combination topical products with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics have been introduced. Use of systemic antibiotics, including tetracyclines and macrolides rapidly improves inflammatory acne lesions. Oral isotretinoin is effective against all of the main pathogenic features of acne but is contraindicated in pregnant women and has been associated with cheilitis and dry skin. Hormonal therapy has been found to improve acne in some selective patients and should be considered for appropriate candidates. This review will present the general aspects of the pharmacological treatments for acne.

G2A Attenuates Propionibacterium acnes Induction of Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Monocytes

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit characterized by increased sebum production, hyperkeratinization, and immune responses to Propionibacterium acnes (PA). Here, we explore a possible mechanism by which a lipid receptor, G2A, regulates immune responses to a commensal bacterium. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the inflammatory properties of G2A in monocytes in response to PA stimulation. Furthermore, our study sought to investigate pathways by which lipids modulate immune responses in response to PA. METHODS: Our studies focused on monocytes collected from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the monocytic cell line THP-1, and a lab strain of PA. Our studies involved the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent, Western blot, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, small interfering RNA (siRNA), and microarray analysis of human acne lesions in the measurements of inflammatory markers. RESULTS: G2A gene expression is higher in acne lesions compared to normal skin and is inducible by the acne therapeutic, 13-cis-retinoic acid. In vitro, PA induces both the Toll-like receptor 2-dependent expression of G2A as well as the production of the G2A ligand, 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, from human monocytes. G2A gene knockdown through siRNA enhances PA stimulation of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1β possibly through increased activation of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase and nuclear factor kappa B p65 pathways. CONCLUSION: G2A may play a role in quelling inflammatory cytokine response to PA, revealing G2A as a potential attenuator of inflammatory response in a disease associated with a commensal bacterium.

Pharmacologic treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent papulosquamous skin disorder characterized by flaking of the skin, erythema, pruritus, and oily skin. It is a common dermatosis, with a prevalence of approximately 1% to 3% of the general population in the United States. The incidence of this skin disease has a bimodal distribution, with peaks noted in newborns and in adults between 30 and 60 years of age. In adults, it predominantly occurs over areas of the body with a high concentration of sebaceous glands. The etiology of this disease is thought to be an inflammatory response of the body to Malassezia yeasts. It is also related to abnormal sebum secretion, as well as a heightened immune response of the host. Based on the characteristic features of this inflammatory skin disease, the mainstays of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis are antifungals, corticosteroids, and immunomodulatory agents. The primary goal of therapy for seborrheic dermatitis is to manage acute symptoms, including pruritus, erythema, and scaling. Maintenance treatment is directed toward preventing the recurrence of acute exacerbations. Patients should be informed that seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, with a tendency to recur despite proper treatment. Clinicians should offer suggestions about lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers and choose proper treatment options that ensure the patient's safety.

"Hairy potty": Ovarian dermoid cyst with fistula to bladder / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dermoid cysts are usually asymptomatic until complications occur. Spontaneous rupture of a dermoid into an adjacent organ is a rare complication and no such case has been reported in the Philippines.A 24-year-old primipara consulted for pilimiction. Three years earlier, she had recurrent urinary tract infection and was diagnosed to have a dermoid cyst. Left untreated, the cyst grew in size and urinary symptoms worsened. Ultrasound, CT scan and subsequent laparotomy revealed that the dermoid cyst has penetrated the bladder wall resulting to fistula formation between the dermoid and the urinary bladder. Hair and sebum were seen inside the bladder. A left salpingo-oophorectomy and partial cystectomy of the urinary bladder were done.The first locally documented case of an ovarian dermoid cyst with fistula to the bladder is presented. A review of literature is made, the predisposing factors, possible cause, diagnosis and management are discussed.

"Hairy potty": Ovarian dermoid cyst with fistula to bladder / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dermoid cysts are usually asymptomatic until complications occur. Spontaneous rupture of a dermoid into an adjacent organ is a rare complication and no such case has been reported in the Philippines. A 24-year-old primipara consulted for pilimiction. Three years earlier, she had recurrent urinary tract infection and was diagnosed to have a dermoid cyst. Left untreated, the cyst grew in size and urinary symptoms worsened. Ultrasound, CT scan and subsequent laparotomy revealed that the dermoid cyst has penetrated the bladder wall resulting to fistula formation between the dermoid and the urinary bladder. Hair and sebum were seen inside the bladder. A left salpingo-oophorectomy and partial cystectomy of the urinary bladder were done. The first locally documented case of an ovarian dermoid cyst with fistula to the bladder is presented. A review of literature is made, the predisposing factors, possible cause, diagnosis and management are discussed.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Increases the Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers and Sebum Production in Cultured Sebocytes

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris has been linked to the Western diet. Hyperglycemic diet increases insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Deeper insights into IGF-1-mediated signal pathway are critical importance to understand the impact of Western diet. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of IGF-1 on the expression of inflammatory biomarkers and sebum production in cultured sebocytes. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to measure changes in the expression of inflammatory biomarkers including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), IGF1R, IGFBP2, sterol response element-binding protein (SREBP), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha (PI3KCA) after the treatment of cultured sebocytes with 10⁻⁷ M or 10⁻⁵ M IGF-1. Sebum production was evaluated after the treatment of cultured sebocytes with 10⁻⁷ M or 10⁻⁵ M IGF-1 using lipid analysis. RESULTS: The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in cultured sebocytes after treatment with 10⁻⁷ M or 10⁻⁵ M IGF-1 were increased. Increased gene expression levels of NF-κB in cultured sebocytes were also shown after 10⁻⁷ M or 10⁻⁵ M IGF-1 treatments. Gene expression of these inflammatory biomarkers was decreased after 10⁻⁷ M or 10⁻⁵ M IGF-1 treatment in the presence of 100 nM NF-κB inhibitor. Treatment with 10⁻⁷ M or 10⁻⁵ M IGF-1 increased the gene expression levels of IGF1R, IGFBP2, SREBP and PI3KCA in cultured sebocytes. Sebum production from cultured sebocytes treated with 10⁻⁷ M or 10⁻⁵ M IGF-1 was also increased. CONCLUSION: It is suggestive that IGF-1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of acne by increasing both expression of inflammatory biomarkers and also sebum production in sebocytes.

Skin barrier in rosacea

Abstract Recent studies about the cutaneous barrier demonstrated consistent evidence that the stratum corneum is a metabolically active structure and also has adaptive functions, may play a regulatory role in the inflammatory response with activation of keratinocytes, angiogenesis and fibroplasia, whose intensity depends primarily on the intensity the stimulus. There are few studies investigating the abnormalities of the skin barrier in rosacea, but the existing data already show that there are changes resulting from inflammation, which can generate a vicious circle caused a prolongation of flare-ups and worsening of symptoms. This article aims to gather the most relevant literature data about the characteristics and effects of the state of the skin barrier in rosacea.

Relation between pH in the Trunk and Face: Truncal pH Can Be Easily Predicted from Facial pH

BACKGROUND: The clinical symptoms of facial and truncal acne differ. Skin surface acidity (pH), which is affected by sebum secretions, reflects the different clinical characteristics of the face and trunk. However, no studies have been conducted on truncal sebum production and skin pH. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the differences and relationship between pH values of the face and trunk. We also evaluated the relationship between pH and the quantity of sebum produced in the trunk. METHODS: A total of 35 female patients clinically diagnosed with truncal acne were included. We measured pH on the face and truncal area using the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905®. We measured truncal sebum secretions using the Sebumeter SM 815®. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations and differences between pH and sebum. RESULTS: Facial pH was significantly higher than chest and back pH values. The correlation between pH on the trunk and the face was significant. We used linear regression equations to estimate truncal pH using only measured pH from the chin. There was no significant relationship between truncal sebum secretion and pH. CONCLUSION: This was the first study that evaluated the differences and correlations between facial and truncal pH. We found that facial pH can predict truncal pH. In addition, we conclude that differences in pH and sebum secretion between the face and trunk are one of the reasons for differences in acne symptom at those sites.

Relation between pH in the Trunk and Face: Truncal pH Can Be Easily Predicted from Facial pH

BACKGROUND: The clinical symptoms of facial and truncal acne differ. Skin surface acidity (pH), which is affected by sebum secretions, reflects the different clinical characteristics of the face and trunk. However, no studies have been conducted on truncal sebum production and skin pH. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the differences and relationship between pH values of the face and trunk. We also evaluated the relationship between pH and the quantity of sebum produced in the trunk. METHODS: A total of 35 female patients clinically diagnosed with truncal acne were included. We measured pH on the face and truncal area using the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905®. We measured truncal sebum secretions using the Sebumeter SM 815®. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations and differences between pH and sebum. RESULTS: Facial pH was significantly higher than chest and back pH values. The correlation between pH on the trunk and the face was significant. We used linear regression equations to estimate truncal pH using only measured pH from the chin. There was no significant relationship between truncal sebum secretion and pH. CONCLUSION: This was the first study that evaluated the differences and correlations between facial and truncal pH. We found that facial pH can predict truncal pH. In addition, we conclude that differences in pH and sebum secretion between the face and trunk are one of the reasons for differences in acne symptom at those sites.

Efficacy and Safety of Cream Containing Climbazole/Piroctone Olamine for Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Single-Center, Open-Label Split-Face Clinical Study

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a multifactorial disease; Malassezia species play an important role in its pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether a cream containing climbazole/piroctone olamine (C/P cream), antifungal agents with expected efficacy against Malassezia species, could improve SD symptoms. METHODS: We instructed 24 patients with mild-to-moderate SD to apply the C/P cream and emollient cream on the right and left sides of the face, respectively, every morning and evening for 4 weeks. The casual sebum level (measured with Sebumeter®; Courage & Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Germany) and the extent of erythema (measured with Mexameter®; Courage & Khazaka Electronic GmbH) on the face were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined to demonstrate the antifungal activity of the C/P cream. RESULTS: The casual sebum level and erythema were measured at week 4, and the median values demonstrated a quantitative improvement on the C/P cream-treated right side of the face compared to the emollient cream-treated left side. For the C/P cream, the MICs were 0.625, 5, 0.625, and 2.5 mg/ml for Malassezia restricta, M. globosa, M. sympodialis, and M. slooffiae, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the reduced casual sebum level and extent of erythema, the antifungal activity of C/P cream against Malassezia species seems useful for the treatment of mild to moderate SD.

Inflammatory Cytokine Expression and Sebum Production after Exposure of Cultured Human Sebocytes to Ultraviolet A Radiation and Light at Wavelengths of 650 nm and 830 nm

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, or infrared light therapy for the treatment of acne is the subject of ongoing scientific debate. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate changes in sebum production and the expression of inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), following exposure of cultured human sebocytes to UVA radiation and light at wavelengths of 650 nm and 830 nm. METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to measure the gene expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9), and AMPs (psoriasin, hBD-2, hBD-3, and LL-37) in cultured sebocytes after exposure to UVA radiation (2 J/cm2, 3 J/cm2, and 5 J/cm2) and light at wavelengths of 650 nm (14 J/cm2, 29 J/cm2, and 87 J/cm2) and 830 nm (5 J/cm2, 10 J/cm2, and 30 J/cm2). Expression of inflammatory cytokine proteins and sebum production were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassays and a lipid analysis kit, respectively. RESULTS: Exposure of cultured sebocytes to UVA radiation and light at wavelengths of 650 nm and 830 nm did not show a significant increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, or AMPs. Sebum production was not significantly decreased after exposure to UVA radiation and light at both wavelengths. CONCLUSION: We propose that UVA radiation, visible light, and infrared light can be used to target Propionibacterium acnes for the treatment of acne, without an increase in the expression of inflammatory biomarkers and sebum production.

A Survey to Understand Acne Patients in Busan / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that can largely affect psychosocial aspects of the patient. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to survey the perception of acne vulgaris, including the cause of acne vulgaris, and patient attitude towards the disease, as well as preference for treatment methods in Busan. METHODS: A total of 170 patients with acne vulgaris, seeking treatment at 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-grade hospitals in Busan, were surveyed by questionnaire. Patient informed consent was obtained. RESULTS: With regards to the cause of acne, increased sebum secretion was the most selected answer, followed by stress and eating habits. Most of the patients believed that all of the acne treatment modalities were effective; however, negative recognition about the safety and durability of each treatment was also reported by a majority of the patients. Acne extraction and laser therapy were the most preferred treatment methods, and the most important reason to choose the treatment method was effectiveness. CONCLUSION: In this study, we could recognize a patients' overall perception about acne vulgaris. It is suggested that dermatologists should try not only to help patients gain a better understanding about acne but also to cope with their demands.

A Survey to Understand Acne Patients in Busan / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease that can largely affect psychosocial aspects of the patient. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to survey the perception of acne vulgaris, including the cause of acne vulgaris, and patient attitude towards the disease, as well as preference for treatment methods in Busan. METHODS: A total of 170 patients with acne vulgaris, seeking treatment at 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-grade hospitals in Busan, were surveyed by questionnaire. Patient informed consent was obtained. RESULTS: With regards to the cause of acne, increased sebum secretion was the most selected answer, followed by stress and eating habits. Most of the patients believed that all of the acne treatment modalities were effective; however, negative recognition about the safety and durability of each treatment was also reported by a majority of the patients. Acne extraction and laser therapy were the most preferred treatment methods, and the most important reason to choose the treatment method was effectiveness. CONCLUSION: In this study, we could recognize a patients' overall perception about acne vulgaris. It is suggested that dermatologists should try not only to help patients gain a better understanding about acne but also to cope with their demands.