Background Acne vulgaris is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory skin disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. The prevalence of acne is high during adolescence and is known to persist into adulthood; however, the characteristics of adult acne have not been well established. In the adult population, acne has been associated with psychosocial repercussions impacting the quality of life of those who suffer it, especially in female patients.Methods This study assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of 1,384 patients between the ages of 25 and 60 years from 21 countries in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, with the purpose of identifying parameters for the severity of the disease, its links to demographic, biological, social, and environmental factors, and potential triggers. Results Gender differences in severity and location of the lesions were identified. In a univariate analysis, the male gender, use of cosmetics, age of onset of adolescence, and signs of hyperandrogenism were associated with acne severity. ConclusionsThe characteristics of adult acne may vary from those of adolescent acne, although the disease presentations are generally similar. Further research is needed to establish similarities and differences in manifestations of adult acne versus adolescent acne.

Acne is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease with high prevalence among adolescents. By compromising face, thorax and back, with the risk of permanent scars, it has a negative impact on the quality of life. Effective, safe and early treatment is the key to remission, while decreasing the risk of physical and/or emotional sequelae. The Iberian-Latin American Group of Acne Studies joined professionals with expertise and developed a practical therapeutic algorithm, adapted to the reality of Latin American countries, Spain and Portugal. This article intends to disseminate it with an updated review on a rational, safe and effective acne treatment.

Monoclonal antibodies raised against denatured HLA-B locus heavy chains permit biochemical characterization of certain HLA-C locus products.

Congenital, transient or permanent changes in the hyponychium should be named and classified according to tissue origin to avoid nomenclature confusion.

Funding sources: None. Disclosures: Dr Rosalie Elenitsas receives royalties as book editor for Lippincott and honoraria for her role as a consultant for Myriad Genetics. Dr Noelle Frey serves as an investigator for Novartis and has received grant funding from Novartis. Research performed by the lab of Dr Melenhorst is supported by Novartis. CTL019 in an investigational drug in phase 1 trials that was developed in the lab of Dr Carl June. It has been licensed by Novartis from the University of Pennsylvania. Novartis provides financial support for the clinical trial. Dr June has IP ownership that is licensed by Penn. Dr Simon Lacey is an investigator for Novartis as has received grant funding from Novartis. Dr David Porter has received research support, royalties, and IP interest from Novartis.