Acneiform Eruption
Pronunciation: ak-NEE-ih-form ih-RUP-shun
A skin reaction that resembles acne vulgaris but is caused by an external agent such as a drug, cosmetic, or procedural irritant rather than follicular pathology.
Full Definition
An acneiform eruption is a drug- or agent-induced skin reaction that clinically mimics acne vulgaris, presenting with papules and pustules but typically lacking true comedones. In cosmetic dermatology editorial contexts, the term appears in adverse event documentation and product safety reports. Editors must distinguish it from acne vulgaris, as conflating the two misrepresents the aetiology. It is frequently relevant in post-procedure reporting and cosmeceutical safety literature. The term is commonly hyphenated in British usage and closed in some American style guides.
Usage
Usage note: Do not shorten to 'acne' in clinical or regulatory copy; the distinction between acneiform eruption and true acne is medically and legally significant.
In Context
- "The post-treatment report documented an acneiform eruption appearing 48 hours after the glycolic acid series." — Adverse event report
- "Editors should not substitute 'acne' for 'acneiform eruption' when the causative agent is a topical product." — Editorial style guide note