Acne

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.

Studies are available that show promising application of tea tree oil for various dermatologic infections such as bacterial and fungal conditions and molluscum as well as inflammatory conditions such as acne

Teledermatology eases disease management for young acne patients.

“The increased strength of adapalene (a retinoid) is a valuable ingredient to explore in view of the growing incidence of drug resistance and the fact that it apparently worked in moderate to severe acne patients is a very good sign," says an expert. Learn more.

New and evolving therapies targeting inflammation could therefore be tried to help quell the symptoms of these diseases and conditions. learn more.

These are Dr. H.L. Greenberg’s top tips for treating (and preventing) acne.

Many dermatologists may have wondered, however, why patients who use noncomedogenic products still develop acne.

Probiotics, which are helpful bacteria that protect the body from harmful bacteria, are literally everywhere. In light of increasing antibiotic resistance due to over- and misuse, coupled with patients’ preferences for more holistic, natural approaches to healing, are we entering an era of anti-antibiotics and pro-probiotics?

A doctor who prescribed oral retinoids to an acne patient is sued by the patient's family after the patient commits suicide. The doctor's career, practice, reputation and everything he holds dear are at risk simply because he tried to be a good doctor. Should he try to defend himself? Will he lose the case at trial?

It is sometimes challenging to pick a facial cleanser for acne patients because skin irritation and dryness can be magnified by improper cleansing techniques.

The pathogenesis of acne is not entirely understood, but new insights may yield new therapeutic targets in the near future. As research into the pathogenesis of acne continues, the spectrum of available therapies will continue to expand.