An Overview of Acne Therapy, Part 1: Topical therapy, Oral Antibiotics, Laser and Light Therapy, and Dietary Interventions

Justin W Marson; Hilary E Baldwin

doi:10.1016/j.det.2018.12.001

An Overview of Acne Therapy, Part 1: Topical therapy, Oral Antibiotics, Laser and Light Therapy, and Dietary Interventions

Dermatol Clin. 2019 Apr;37(2):183-193. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2018.12.001. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Authors

Justin W Marson¹, Hilary E Baldwin²

Affiliations

¹ Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
² The Acne Treatment and Research Center, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. Electronic address: hbaldwin@acnetrc.com.

PMID: 30850041
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2018.12.001

Abstract

Therapeutic actives for acne have changed little in the last decade. Recognition that acne is an inflammatory condition, not an infectious one, has led to a call for reduction in antibiotic use. This has culminated in a re-evaluation of highly efficacious combination topical therapy and improved vehicle technology. Laser and light modalities, although not sufficiently studied for first-line use, show promise for the future. The role that diet plays in the initiation and continuation of acne is unclear but remains one of our patients' most frequently asked questions.

Keywords: Acne; Adult female acne; Antibiotic resistance; Therapy; Treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Acne Vulgaris / immunology
Acne Vulgaris / therapy*
Administration, Cutaneous
Administration, Oral
Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
Combined Modality Therapy
Dapsone / therapeutic use
Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
Dicarboxylic Acids / therapeutic use
Diet Therapy*
Drug Therapy, Combination
Humans
Inflammation
Low-Level Light Therapy*
Phototherapy*
Retinoids / therapeutic use

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Dermatologic Agents
Dicarboxylic Acids
Retinoids
Dapsone
azelaic acid

Supplementary concepts

Acne, Adult