New Treatments and Therapeutic Strategies for Acne

Abstract

Successful management of acne requires careful patient evaluation followed by consideration of several patient and medication factors when selecting a particular therapeutic regimen. Within the last few years, several new agents for the treatment of acne have become available that afford greater flexibility in the treatment of this prevalent dermatologic disorder. These include adapalene, tazarotene, 2 new topical tretinoin formulations, azelaic acid, a new sodium sulfacetamide formulation, and an oral contraceptive recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acne. After a brief overview of the pathophysiology of acne and existing therapies, this review evaluates the new antiacne agents and how they can be integrated into a successful treatment strategy that takes into account acne severity and predominant lesion type as well as age, skin type, lifestyle, motivation, and the presence of coexisting conditions.

Adapalene-benzoyl peroxide, a fixed-dose combination for the treatment of acne vulgaris: Results of a multicenter, randomized double-blind, controlled study

“…3,32 Currently, there are relatively few anti-acne fixed-dose combination products and none containing a topical retinoid with BPO. The fixed-dose combination of adapalene 0.1% and BPO 2.5% for the treatment of acne combines two agents with different modes of action to address multiple pathophysiological factors of acne.…”

Adolescent Female Acne: Etiology and Management

“…4 Other potential factors that may contribute to acne development and severity include genetics, 5 stress, 6 and exogenous exposure to comedogenic substances including tars, polyvinyl chloride, and medications (corticosteroids, androgens, halogens). 7 Positive association with acne and milk intake (both whole and skim) in women has been recently noted as well. 8 Androgens are thought to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acne.…”

Retinoid plus antimicrobial combination treatments for acne

“…They also carry AEs including gastrointestinal disturbances, photosensitivity, and vaginal yeast infections. 3,27 Oral contraceptives can additionally be used, as the estrogen decreases the effect of androgens on the production of sebum. 25 …”