Topical, Biological and Clinical Challenges in the Management of Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorders among adolescents and young adults. It is associated with substantial morbidity and, rarely, with mortality. The exact worldwide incidence and prevalence are currently unknown. Current challenges involve improving understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of acne vulgaris and developing a practical treatment consensus. Expert panel discussions were held in 2013 and 2014 among a group of scientists and clinicians from the Omani and United Arab Emirate Dermatology Societies to ascertain the current optimal management of acne vulgaris, identify clinically relevant end-points and construct suitable methodology for future clinical trial designs. This article reviews the discussions of these sessions and recent literature on this topic.

Keywords: Acne Vulgaris; Antibiotics; Benzoyl Peroxide; Diagnosis; Isotretinoin; Molecular Biology; Retinoids; Therapeutics.

Figure 1:

Photograph of a young female patient with moderate to severe acne vulgaris with pustular formation.

Figure 2:

Photograph of a young female patient with moderate acne vulgaris.

Figure 3:

Photograph of a young female patient with post-acne vulgaris hyperpigmentation and scarring.

Figure 4:

Flowchart detailing a potential treatment algorithm for patients with mild, moderate or severe forms of acne vulgaris.