Classification of Acne

Abstract

Nosology does not rank high among the interests of acne researchers. Yet, the lack of a common international standard for classifying and grading the severity of acne has been a distressing source of confusion and controversy. The result is that epidemiologic data and classifications from different sources cannot be compared because the criteria are different. This adversely affects every field of investigation, for example, surveys concerning the prevalence of acne in different countries. At present we have no information as to whether acne is more prevalent in meat eaters than in vegetarians, in cold or warm climates, in different ethnic groups, etc. What dermatologists may classify as severe acne in Japan might be considered mild by American dermatologists.