Which distribution describes hormonal acne?

Which distribution describes hormonal acne?

• A. Athletic
• B. Frictional
• C. Hormonal
• D. Pomadal

Answer: (C)

Acne that is influenced by hormones tends to follow a lower-face pattern, especially along the jawline and chin. This happens because androgens increase sebum production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and inflammation in areas where oil glands are more active. The pattern often flares with hormonal changes—puberty, the menstrual cycle, or conditions like PCOS—and is common in adolescents and some adult women. Frictional acne, by contrast, comes from repeated rubbing or occlusion and appears where the skin is irritated, not from hormonal fluctuations. The extra term is not a recognized distribution, so the hormonal pattern best fits acne driven by hormones.

Acne that is influenced by hormones tends to follow a lower-face pattern, especially along the jawline and chin. This happens because androgens increase sebum production in the skin, leading to clogged pores and inflammation in areas where oil glands are more active. The pattern often flares with hormonal changes—puberty, the menstrual cycle, or conditions like PCOS—and is common in adolescents and some adult women. Frictional acne, by contrast, comes from repeated rubbing or occlusion and appears where the skin is irritated, not from hormonal fluctuations. The extra term is not a recognized distribution, so the hormonal pattern best fits acne driven by hormones.