A nurse is educating a group of adolescents about the causes and risk factors associated with Acne Vulgaris. Which statement accurately explains a risk factor for this condition?

Choice A rationale:

"You may experience redness and tenderness around the lesions as a side effect." Rationale: Topical treatments for acne, such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, can commonly cause side effects like redness and tenderness.

These side effects are often temporary and may be experienced as the skin adjusts to the treatment.

It's important for the nurse to inform the client about these potential side effects to ensure they are aware and prepared for them.

Choice B rationale:

"Topical treatments include antibiotics and hormonal therapy." Rationale: While topical treatments for acne can include antibiotics, hormonal therapy is typically administered orally, not topically.

Topical treatments primarily consist of retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics.

Choice C rationale:

"Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are commonly used topical treatments." Rationale: Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are not considered topical treatments for acne vulgaris.

These are cosmetic procedures that primarily address skin texture and may not be suitable for all acne patients.

Choice D rationale:

"Maintaining a healthy diet is the primary topical treatment for acne." Rationale: Diet can influence acne, but it is not considered a topical treatment.

Proper diet and skincare routines can complement acne treatment but are not primary treatment modalities.

Topical treatments usually involve the application of medications directly to the skin.

The correct answer is choice D: “Dark spots may persist even after the resolution of acne lesions.”

Choice A rationale:

This option is not a complete statement and does not provide any information about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common complication of acne vulgaris, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is also incorrect. Picking and squeezing acne lesions can actually increase the risk of developing PIH because it causes more inflammation.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct answer. PIH can result in dark spots that persist even after the acne lesions have resolved. These spots are due to excess melanin production as the skin heals from inflammation.

Choice E rationale:

This statement is incorrect. PIH can occur in individuals of all skin tones, but it is more common and tends to be more severe in individuals with darker skin.