Acne

This article is an overview of the common topical agents used for treating acne: Benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, azelaic acid, and combination products.

Progestins have multiple influences on acne. Cyproterone acetate, found in Diane-35® seems to be an exception in that it is not affected by estrogen.

Tazarotene is a designer retinoid. It is approved by Health Canada as a treatment for psoriasis, acne, and photodamage. This article discussed its indications, side-effects, use, and drug interactions.

Explore the efficacy of 1726 nm lasers, specifically AviClear and Accure systems, in treating moderate to severe acne vulgaris, offering a safe and effective alternative to systemic therapies.

In two large randomized vehicle-controlled 12-week trials and in a 52-week open label study of moderate-to-severe acne at the face and trunk in subjects aged 9 years and older, trifarotene 50 μg/g cream demonstrated efficacy, safety, and cutaneous tolerability.

Isotretinion is a powerful drug, and sometimes the only treatment option for severe acne. The most common side-effects such as dry skin, dry eyes, and hair problems, and headaches, and other side-effects are discussed.

Oral isotretinoin, since its introduction more than 20 years ago, has been and still is the 'gold standard' in the treatment of acne and its variants. This is the only approach to acne with the possibility of a permanent “cure” or long term remission.

Discover how trifarotene, a fourth-generation retinoid, effectively treats acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Learn about its benefits, clinical evidence, and role in managing acne sequelae.

There is compelling evidence that oral contraceptives (OCs) are effective in the management of mild-moderate acne vulgaris, as well as cumulative evidence that elevated levels of androgens in acne patients, relative to appropriate controls, are an underlying pathophysiological factor in acne.

Cystic acne is characterized by the formation of cysts enclosing a mixture of keratin and sebum in varying proportions. It is the most severe of the four main types of acne, which are comedonal, papular, pustular, and cystic. Identification and treatment options are discussed.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most widely used topical agents for acne. This article discusses the anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects of benzoyl peroxide.

Topical retinoids are the cornerstone of acne therapy and they can be used across the entire spectrum of acne severity. Selecting the most suitable retinoid formulation, as well as dispensing proper advice in terms of drug application, can improve patient compliance.

A brief discussion of treatment options that are available for various patients. Factors like severity, type of acne, response to previous treatment that are unique to the patient can influence the best course of treatment.

This article is a brief overview of OTC (over the counter) treatment options for acne, which are available to patients without a prescription. Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide treatments are discussed, as well as other management of other factors like dry skin.

Adopting a comprehensive approach that takes into account individual preferences, properties of available treatments, and disease severity can encourage patient adherence and lead to improved treatment outcomes. The key to gaining adherence, is the attention devoted by physicians to establishing effective communication with the patient.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous serum containing high concentrations of platelets and growth factors. PRP continues to evolve as an important treatment modality with many applications in dermatology, particularly in the areas of hair restoration, skin rejuvenation, acne scars, dermal augmentation, and striae distensae.

Treatment objectives and pharmacoeconomic considerations are important when developing guidelines that are effective and rational. Canadian Acne Treatment Guidelines were last published in 1995. New guidelines were recently developed to incorporate therapeutic advances and data from more recent studies.

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease characterized by different types of lesions at various stages of development. Treatment options, such as light based therapy and systemic therapy, as well as CIS-Isotretinoin (Epuris™) that increases absorption are discussed as well as patient adherence.

Scars are a common problem that is often caused by acne. Various classifications of acne scars and their treatments and expectations are discussed.

A review of studies, reviewing association between a high-glycemic-load diet, hormonal mediators, and acne risk.

Management of the patients’ expectations and compliance are crucial aspects of acne treatment. Disease chronicity and long-term treatment should be discussed at length during the initial consultation.

Truncal acne refers to AV affecting the chest and/or back, a common presentation in acne patients. This article offers guidance in clinical differentiation of truncal acne from other acneiform diseases and provides management recommendations.