The disease can be triggered by psychological factors such as stress, and by exposure to certain environmental substances or allergens.

It is caused by the solar irradiation of UVA/UVB rays.

Comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and/or cysts form as a result of obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous units.

Sustained inflammation leads to uncontrolled keratinocyte proliferation and dysfunctional differentiation.