title: Interventions to increase adherence to acne treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adherence to acne medication is poor and is a major reason why treatment plans are ineffective. Recognizing solutions to nonadherence is critical.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to describe the hurdles associated with acne nonadherence and to provide mechanisms on how to ameliorate them.
  
  
  METHODS
  PubMed database was searched. Of the 419 search results, 29 articles were reviewed to identify hurdles to adherence and corresponding solutions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hurdles to primary nonadherence where the medication is not even started, include lack of knowledge, confusion about usage, weak physician-patient relationship, fear of adverse reactions, and cost. Secondary nonadherence hurdles where the medication is started but is not taken as directed include lack of results, complex regimens, side effects, busy lifestyle, forgetfulness, inconvenience, and psychiatric comorbidity. Solutions to these hurdles include treatment simplification, technology, and dynamic education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adherence is affected by numerous factors, but available literature analyzing acne adherence and interventions to improve adherence to treatment is limited.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are several hurdles in adhering to acne treatment. Recognition of these hurdles and finding appropriate solutions may be as important to treatment outcomes as choosing the right medication to prescribe.
authors: Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Moradi Tuchayi
authors: Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC.
authors: Tiffany M
authors: TM
authors: Alexander
authors: Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC.
authors: Anish
authors: A
authors: Nadkarni
authors: Center for Dermatology Research, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Public Health Sciences; Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
authors: Steven R
authors: SR
authors: Feldman
keywords: acne vulgaris; adherence; clinic visit; disease severity; lifestyle; pathogenesis; physician–patient relationship; prevalence; quality of life; treatment