A recent review published by researchers in American Journal of Clinical Dermatology characterizes truncal acne vulgaris, a psychosocially burdensome yet misunderstood skin disorder, and summarizes evaluation and treatment options.
Unlike facial acne vulgaris, which is widely known to present as facial breakouts, truncal acne vulgaris is acne on the chest, shoulders or back. Current research has prioritized facial acne given its location on the body, but truncal acne still negatively impacts patients across a wide spectrum.
Both men and women can be at risk, though it particularly affects people in their teens to mid-20s, like facial acne. The condition can present as pink or red papules or even severe inflammatory nodules with scarring.
“Acne in general can have a profound negative impact on one’s social confidence,” says the review’s co-author Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology. “Patients who want to wear certain clothes, dresses, swimsuits, etc. that expose trunk regions can be very self-conscious due to bad acne in those regions.”
Given the negative impact that truncal acne has on quality of life, Dr. Bunick and his team conduct a thorough review of available treatment options. AviClear™, a new laser therapy, shows promise, as does a potential acne vaccine.
Ultimately, Dr. Bunick notes, “the bread and butter today is use of topical agents in combination with oral agents such as antibiotics, anti-androgen/hormone-based therapies, or oral isotretinoin.”
It is the research team’s hope that as more studies are conducted worldwide about truncal acne and clearer treatment options come to light, those who suffer from this condition will one day be able to live confidently in the skin they are in.