Is acne a disease?

This is a great question. Acne is very common, affecting more than 85% of the human population. It is also self-limited and in most people, ends without treatment, around the age of twenty. In the past, many looked at acne as a "normal" part of growing up. Disease is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as " a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms." By this definition Acne is a disease. Acne is definitely manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms and it impairs normal functioning (social stress, long term acne scars, pain in severe cases). There a many other disorders (diseases) that are common and self-limited (i.e. Childhood viral infections, the flu). More than 25% of the teenagers with acne will struggle with pimples during their twenties, thirties and even forties. Untreated Acne hurts social life, dating, employment opportunities and in many cases lives lifelong physical and psychological scars. Thus, acne should be regarded as a disease. Although, not life threatening, prompt and effective treatment of acne, is crucial and may save large amounts of stress, and improve lives of millions.

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