Acne update: 2004.
OBJECTIVE
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder among children and young adults that carries enormous financial and psychosocial impact. Contemporary therapies attempt to address factors underlying acne as a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. These longstanding paradigms regarding pathogenesis and treatment continue to evolve in light of recent work on this ubiquitous disease.


RESULTS
This review focuses on new literature that has emerged regarding the biology of the folliculosebaceous unit, the identification of particular mediators responsible for inflammatory acne, the use of topical and systemic retinoids in acne therapy, and approaches to address the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Propionibacterium acnes strains. In addition, the use of several novel therapeutic avenues is discussed, including combination therapies, lipoxygenase inhibitors, and lasers.


CONCLUSIONS
As the understanding of the factors that initiate and exacerbate acne vulgaris continues to increase, so does the diversity of therapeutic options. Rational use of available treatment options based on the type and severity of acne lesions is a key component of successful acne therapy and allows the physician who treats adolescents with acne to provide optimum care.
Section of Pediatric Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Kara N
KN
Smolinski
Albert C
AC
Yan
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D053685:Laser Therapy; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D012176:Retinoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D006728:Hormones; D012176:Retinoids; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide