Acne classification
Mild
• Main lesions are open and closed comedones (black and whiteheads)
• Mostly non-inflammatory lesions
• Papules and pustules may be present, but are small and few in number (generally < 10)
• The disease is limited to the face
Moderate
• Moderate numbers of papules and pustules (10-40)
• Open and closed comedones (10-40)
• The disease is limited to the face, but mild disease of the trunk may be present
Moderate/Severe
• Numerous papules and pustules (40 – 100)
• Usually with many comedones (40 – 100)
• Occasional larger, deeper nodular inflamed lesions (up to 5)
• Widespread affected areas usually involving the face, chest and back
Severe
• Nodulocystic acne with many large, painful nodular or pustular lesions
• Many smaller papules, pustules and comedones
• Widespread affected areas usually involving the face, chest and back