Acne vulgaris is common throughout the world and often perceived by both patients and clinicians as an inconsequential disease of adolescence. In reality, however, acne is a chronic medical disease that lasts for years and causes a considerable impact on quality of life. Many patients with acne experience emotional problems due to their disease, which can lead to reduced social interactions and even a lower likelihood of employment. Little has been written specifically about acne in Asian patients in the English-language medical published work, perhaps due to an assumption that the management of acne is the same in all populations. A group of acne experts from nine Asian countries and the USA met to review and discuss acne care within the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on evidence-based medicine. This group developed a care algorithm using results of clinical trials as well as knowledge of practice patterns.
© 2011 Japanese Dermatological Association.