Acne: topical treatment.
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease, affecting about 70-80% of adolescents and young adults. It is a multifactorial disease of the pilosebaceous unit.(1) The influence of androgens at the onset of adolescence leads to an enlargement of the sebaceous gland and a rise in sebum production. Additional increased proliferation and altered differentiation of the follicular epithelium eventually blocks the pilosebaceous duct, leading to development of the microcomedo as the primary acne lesion. Concomitantly and subsequently, colonization with Propionibacterium acnes increases, followed by induction of inflammatory reactions from bacteria, ductal corneocytes, and sebaceous proinflammatory agents (Fig 1).(2-5)
Krautheim
Andrea
A
Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Otto von Guericke University, Leipzoger Strasse 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
Gollnick
Harald P M
HP
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012176:Retinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012627:Sebaceous Glands / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D012176:Retinoids; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide