Acne

Two novel energy-based approaches are ushering in a new era in acne treatment. One expert addresses the role these devices may play.

While oral isotretinoin has been associated with various side effects and routine blood tests have been recommended, evidence points to inconsistencies in monitoring practices. Many physicians also are questioning whether the effort has value.

Experts discuss association between inflammasomes and acne that may lead to treatments stopping acne before clinical signs emerge.

While many are in early phase studies, most of the new topical options are targeting sebum reduction, a novel pathway to controlling acne, and the data are exciting, one expert says.

New findings support dietary and supplementation practices that can influence acne. One expert discusses modifications in context of protocols for managing the condition.

The AAD’s new guidelines for the care and management of acne vulgaris include several updates for dermatologists, including an increased emphasis on oral antibiotic stewardship and recommendations for use.

Allergan announced in late February that the FDA approved its topical Aczone (dapsone) Gel, 7.5% for treatment of acne vulgaris.

Research shows dermatologists are overprescribing antibiotics for acne treatment, and patients and their parents seem unaware of the consequences, as well as alternatives to antibiotic treatment for acne.

Patients expect dermatologists to have answers for which cosmeceuticals can help their condition. Experts run through pros and cons of several common ingredients.

Study demonstrates current antibiotic use for acne therapy far surpasses guideline recommendations and calls for dermatologists to decrease extended courses of antibiotics through early recognition of failure and guiding patients to alternative therapies.

Evidence from recently published papers provides insight to address some common questions pertaining to the safe use of certain acne medications. Learn more

There is an absence of strong evidence supporting the recommendation that cumulative dosing of isotretinoin follow a reference range of 120 to 150 mg/kg. This points to the need for clinicians to treat their patients to achieve clearance of acne rather than adhere to this range.

Clinicians recognize that acne is increasingly presenting in pre-adolescents and that early presentation is also a predictor of worse disease in the future and the potential for scarring. Prompt, aggressive treatment will lead to better outcomes and will reduce the potential for adverse psychosocial effects.

The stories of the heroes behind these and other dermatologic therapeutic discoveries are recounted in the book To Heal the Skin: The Heroes Behind Discoveries in Dermatology edited by the late Stuart Maddin, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, and a leader and pioneer in dermatology in Canada and internationally, and Eileen Murray, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., a dermatologist and adjunct professor at UBC. Learn more

Dermatology Times editorial advisor, Dr. Elaine Siegfried continues the discussion on isotretinoin with Jim Leyden, M.D., emeritus professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. In this final segment, the two discuss whether a waiting period is necessary before treating acne scars and the questionable existence of pityrosporum folliculitis.

New research indicates that treatment results for patients with mild-to-moderate acne might be better with combinations of light colors with photodynamic therapy (PDT).

New and exciting topical and oral therapeutic agents and those still in the pipeline are slated to revolutionize acne therapy, as they appear to more effectively improve the clinical symptoms of acne.

In part three of the discussion on isotretinoin, our experts discuss distinguishing sinus tracts or keratinous cysts from nodular areas of inflammation and techniques for treating via intralesional injection.

The treatment and management of acne and rosacea in patients with skin of color can be tricky and it behooves the astute clinician to be wary of the pitfalls and challenges associated with treatment.

Although acne is typically regarded as an adolescent condition, acne is aleso prevalent among adults. The limited data available on the clinical characteristics and burden of acne inspires Dr. Baldwin. In this short film, Dr. Baldwin describes the universal clinical characteristics and psychosocial impact of this skin condition.

The cumulative dose of antibiotics prescribed to treat acne can be reduced through adjunctive use of retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.

Dermatology Times editorial advisor, Dr. Elaine Siegfried continues the discussion on isotretinoin with James Leyden, M.D., emeritus professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. Here, the two discuss isotretinoin dosing and side effects.

Hormonal therapy is effective in treating acne, but patients will likely have to remain on hormonal therapy long-term to maintain the benefits.

A better understanding of the delicate balance the bacterial microbiome plays in disease may lead to new therapeutic options.

Ask your patients about their use of alternative/complementary therapies, which are often helpful but can cause or worsen skin problems.

Different types of acne scars may require combinations of treatments and multiple sessions.

Conventional acne treatment guidelines focus on acne severity. But there’s much more to effectively treating individual acne patients, according to an expert panel of 13 Canadian dermatologists, who developed a case-centered multifactorial consensus on acne management. Learn more

Dermatology Times editorial advisor Dr. Elaine Siegfried talks with Jim Leyden, M.D., emeritus professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania about the art and science of isotretinoin therapy. Dr. Leyden, aside from being a member of the famed Acne Mafia, was a really active participant in the drug development process for isotretinoin, a drug for which, the institutional memory about that process may be fading. The two discuss many of the important initial clinical observations and those that others have made over the years.

Uncover the ways in which psychological problems may be impacting the skin, or vice versa. Learn more.