Nursing Diagnoses for Acne Vulgaris: NANDA-I Aligned

Acne vulgaris nursing diagnoses address physical, psychosocial, and self-management domains per NANDA-I taxonomy.

Priority Nursing Diagnoses

1. Impaired Skin Integrity related to inflammatory lesions, excoriation, secondary infection as evidenced by papules, pustules, nodules, crusting.
2. Risk for Infection related to disrupted skin barrier, colonization with C. acnes, manipulation of lesions.
3. Disturbed Body Image related to visible facial/truncal lesions as evidenced by avoidance behaviors, negative self-statements, social withdrawal.
4. Ineffective Self-Health Management related to knowledge deficit (skin care, medication adherence), financial barriers, health literacy as evidenced by inconsistent treatment use, worsening lesions.
5. Acute/Chronic Pain related to inflammatory nodules/cysts as evidenced by pain scores, guarding.
6. Impaired Social Interaction related to embarrassment, stigma, low self-esteem as evidenced by reduced participation, avoidance of eye contact.
7. Risk for Situational Low Self-Esteem related to perceived disfigurement, peer reactions.

Interventions

• Skin care education: gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products, no picking.
• Medication adherence support: topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics; oral isotretinoin monitoring (iPLEDGE).
• Psychosocial: validate concerns, screen for depression/anxiety (PHQ-9, GAD-7), refer to counseling/support groups.
• Scarring prevention: early effective treatment; refer for procedural options (laser, microneedling) post-active disease.