title: Maintenance therapy for acne vulgaris: the fine balance between efficacy, cutaneous tolerability, and adherence.
abstract: Maintenance therapy is defined as the regular use of appropriate therapeutic agents to ensure that acne remains in remission. Topical agents are the mainstay of maintenance therapy. A number of topical therapeutic options are available, including topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid. The choice of topical agents should be based on a number of criteria: efficacy in addressing the subclinical microcomedo, which is the precursor lesion for both comedones and inflammatory lesions; tolerability, due to the need for application to a broader epidermal surface; and other properties that may enhance adherence. Patients may be more motivated to use agents that are easily integrated into their lifestyles and that have potential "skin-repairing" properties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030-3411, USA. jwolf@bcm.tmc.edu
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Wolf
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance