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. 2019 Jul;12(7):34-50.
Epub 2019 Jul 1.

Acne Management Guidelines by the Dermatological Society of Singapore

Hazel H Oon  1   2   3   4   5 , Su-Ni Wong  1   2   3   4   5 , Derrick Chen Wee Aw  1   2   3   4   5 , Wai Kwong Cheong  1   2   3   4   5 , Chee Leok Goh  1   2   3   4   5 , Hiok Hee Tan  1   2   3   4   5
Affiliations

Acne Management Guidelines by the Dermatological Society of Singapore

Hazel H Oon et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019 Jul.

Abstract

Due to the multiethnic patient population with varying skin types in Singapore, clinicians often find the management of acne in their patients to be challenging. The authors developed these guidelines to provide comprehensive advice on individualized acne treatment and to provide a reference guide for all doctors who treat patients of Asian descent. Unique features of acne in Singapore are highlighted. We address concerns such as diet, special population needs, and the benefits, side effects, risks, and cost-effectiveness of currently available acne treatments. These treatment guidelines outline recommendations for the diagnosis, grading, and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with acne of varying severity, and include advice pertaining to the use of cosmeceuticals and management of scars.

Keywords: Propionibacterium acnes; Singapore; acne scar; acne vulgaris; adjunctive therapy; antibiotics; benzoyl peroxide; contraceptives; cosmeceuticals; diet; fixed combination; hormonal therapy; irritation; laser therapy; light therapy; retinoid; systemic therapy; topical therapy; treatment guidelines.

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Conflict of interest statement

FUNDING:The Dermatological Society of Singapore Acne Advisory Board received logistical support and funding from Menarini through an unrestricted educational grant, but has maintained editorial independence in the preparation of these guidelines. DISCLOSURES:Dr. Oon has served as a researcher and advisory board member and has received honoraria from Galderma. The other authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Year-on-year comparison of male and female adolescent and male and female postadolescent patients with acne Source: Han XD, Oon HH, Goh CL. Epidemiology of post-adolescence acne and adolescence acne in Singapore: a 10-year retrospective and comparative study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(10):1790–1793.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Factors contributing to acne– FFA: free fatty acids; FGFR2: fibroblast growth factor receptor 2; IL: interleukin; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; GH: growth hormone; IGF-1: insulin-like growth factor-1; TLR: toll-like receptor; ROS: reactive oxygen species; CRH: corticotropin-releasing hormone; PPARs: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
Types of acne scars
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Oon H. Personal communication. December 31, 2015.

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