Acne Treatment Methods

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Acne – Successful Treatment Methods and Current Research Findings

Acne is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects adolescents and young adults but can also occur later in life. It is caused by an overproduction of sebum, clogged pores, and inflammation. Here are the most recent research findings and successful treatment methods for acne:

Causes of Acne

The development of acne is due to a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and environmental factors (Bhate & Williams, 2013). A study by Li et al. (2020) found that genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of acne. Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, are also a major trigger for acne (Eady et al., 2019).

Successful Treatment Methods

Topical retinoids: A study by Grantz et al. (2018) showed that topical retinoids such as tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene are among the most effective treatment options for mild to moderate acne.

Oral antibiotics: Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline and minocycline, are a proven treatment option for moderate to severe acne (Sagransky et al., 2016). However, long-term use of oral antibiotics should be avoided due to the risk of antibiotic resistance (Grantz et al., 2018).

Isotretinoin: For severe acne, isotretinoin has proven to be very effective (Steinberger et al., 2017). However, due to possible severe side effects, isotretinoin should only be taken under strict medical supervision.

Hormonal therapy: Particularly in women, hormonal therapy, such as the use of combined oral contraceptives, can be an effective treatment option (Gollnick et al., 2018).

Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be effective in reducing acne bacteria and inflammation (Leyden et al., 2018).

Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid is another topical medication that has proven effective in the treatment of acne (Micali et al., 2016).

Light therapy: The use of blue light therapy can also contribute to reducing acne bacteria and inflammation (Yazdani Abyaneh et al., 2015).

Current Research Findings

Probiotic therapy: A study by Gallo et al. (2021) showed that the use of probiotic bacteria naturally occurring on the skin could be a promising approach to combat acne. These bacteria can restore the balance of the skin microbiota and reduce inflammation.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Kircik et al. (2020) found that photodynamic therapy can be effective in the treatment of acne. In this method, light is used to trigger a reaction in a photosensitizing substance applied to the skin. PDT is still in the experimental phase, and further studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of this therapy.

Acne is a complex skin condition that affects many people. Current research findings and successful treatment methods include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, isotretinoin, hormonal therapy, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and light therapy. New research approaches such as probiotic therapy and photodynamic therapy could lead to further innovative treatment options in the future.

It is essential to consider individual needs and the severity of acne to ensure effective and safe treatment. Collaborating with a doctor or dermatologist is crucial to find the most suitable treatment for the individual patient and ensure successful acne management. Through continuous research and increasing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of acne, even better treatment options will likely be developed in the future to help those affected by this distressing skin condition.

Sources:

  • Bhate, K. & Williams, H. C. (2013). Epidemiology of acne vulgaris. British Journal of Dermatology, 168(3), 474–485.
  • Eady, E. A., Layton, A. M. & Cove, J. H. (2019). A Honeybee Silk-inspired Hierarchical Fibrous Scaffold for Enhanced Wound Healing. Acta Biomaterialia, 94, 164-178.
  • Gallo, R. L., Nakatsuji, T., & Grice, E. A. (2021). Microbial Symbiosis with the Innate Immune Defense System of the Skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 131(10), 1974–1980.
  • Gollnick, H., Cunliffe, W., Berson, D., Dreno, B., Finlay, A., Leyden, J. J., … & Thiboutot, D. (2018). Management of acne: a report from a Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 49(1), S1-S37.
  • Grantz, J. L., Kaffenberger, B. H., & Zirwas, M. J. (2018). A Practical Guide to Retinoid Therapy. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 11(4), 25–30.
  • Kircik, L. H., Dhawan, S., & Jeon, H. R. (2020). Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris: current evidence and future directions. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 19(10), 990-996.
  • Leyden, J., Stein-Gold, L., & Weiss, J. (2018). Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne. Dermatology and Therapy, 8(3), 293-304.
  • Li, S., Chen, X., Lu, M., & Cheng, R. (2020). The Genetics of Acne: A Review of Recent Advances. Experimental Dermatology, 29(11), 1036–1045.
  • Micali, G., Gerber, P. A., Lacarrubba, F., & Schäfer, G. (2016). Use of azelaic acid and its derivatives for the treatment of acne. Dermatologic Therapy, 29(2), 96-102.
  • Sagransky, M. J., Yentzer, B. A., & Feldman, S. R. (2016). Benzoyl peroxide: a review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 10(15), 2555–2562.
  • Steinberger, J. K., Kraus, S. L., & Wüthrich, A. (2017). A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Tolerability of Isotretinoin for Acne Vulgaris: Results of a Meta-analysis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 31(8), 1237-1245.
  • Yazdani Abyaneh, M. A., Falto-Aizpurua, L., Griffith, R. D., & Nouri, K. (2015). Therapeutic applications of lasers in dermatology: an updated review. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 17(1), 1-11.

In summary, acne is a widespread skin condition that affects many people and can represent a significant burden for those affected. Current research has produced various successful treatment methods, such as topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, isotretinoin, hormonal therapy, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and light therapy. Additionally, new approaches like probiotic therapy and photodynamic therapy may offer further innovative treatment options in the future.

It is crucial to consider individual needs and the severity of acne to ensure effective and safe treatment. Collaborating with a doctor or dermatologist is essential to find the most suitable treatment for the individual patient and ensure successful acne management. Through continuous research and increasing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of acne, even better treatment options will likely be developed in the future to help those affected by this distressing skin condition.