Are there any subjective symptoms in acne?
As a rule, not; but markedly inflammatory lesions are painful.
State the immediate or direct cause of an acne lesion.
Hypersecretion or retention of sebaceous matter. Recent investigations point to the possibility of a special bacillus being the exciting cause, in some instances at least. The pyogenic cocci are added factors in the pustular and furuncular cases.
Name the indirect or predisposing causes of acne.
Digestive disturbance, constipation, menstrual irregularities, chlorosis, general debility, lack of tone in the muscular fibres of the skin, scrofulosis; and medicinal substances such as the iodides and bromides internally, and tar externally.
Working in a dusty or dirty atmosphere is often influential, resulting in a blocking-up of the gland ducts. Workmen in paraffin oils or other petroleum products often present a furuncle-like acne.
The disease is more common in individuals of light complexion.
Is there any difficulty in the diagnosis of acne?
Not if it be remembered that acne eruption is limited to certain parts and is always follicular, and that the several stages, from the comedo to the matured lesion, are usually to be seen in the individual case.