A 16-year-old male presents with multiple blackheads and red bumps on his forehead, cheeks, and nose. He mentions they have been persisting for about a year, and he feels his skin is quite oily. What could be the potential cause, and what would be the treatment plan?
This patient is likely suffering from moderate acne vulgaris, characterized by a mix of open comedones (blackheads) and inflammatory lesions (red bumps). Acne vulgaris is common during adolescence due to increased sebum production, prompted by hormonal changes. The first line of treatment includes topical retinoids, which help unclog pores, and topical antimicrobials such as benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin to reduce bacterial growth and inflammation.