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Review
. 2023 Nov 23:36:101578.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101578. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Acne vulgaris: A review of the pathophysiology, treatment, and recent nanotechnology based advances

Mallikarjun Vasam  1 , Satyanarayana Korutla  1 , Raghvendra Ashok Bohara  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Acne vulgaris: A review of the pathophysiology, treatment, and recent nanotechnology based advances

Mallikarjun Vasam et al. Biochem Biophys Rep. .

Abstract

Background: Globally, Acne Vulgaris is a widespread, chronic inflammatory condition of the pilosebaceous follicles. Acne is not fatal, but depending on its severity, it can leave the sufferer with scars, irritation, and significant psychological effects (including depression). In the current review, we have included various factors for acne and their treatment explained. It also narrated the current medicament and the new investigation dosage forms with clinical phases information provided.

Main body of the abstract: Acne's pathophysiology involves four important factors: excessive sebum production, hyperkeratinization of pilosebaceous follicles, hyperproliferation of propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and inflammation. Identifying both inflammatory (Papule, pustule, nodule, and cyst) and non-inflammatory (black heads, white heads) acne lesions is necessary for diagnosing and treating acne vulgaris.

Short conclusion: In this review, traditional therapy approaches such as topical (i.e., retinoids and antibiotics), systemic (i.e., retinoids, antibiotics, and hormonal), and physical therapies are briefly discussed. In addition, we highlight the issues posed by P. acne's resistance to the antibiotics used in commercially available medications and the necessity for novel therapeutic techniques. Finally, we examined a few innovative acne therapies pending clinical trial approval and commercial acne medications.

Keywords: Acne inflammation; Acne pathogenesis; Acne treatment; Acne vulgaris; Oral antibiotics; Systemic; Topical retinoids.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Acknowlegement Dr Raghvendra A Bohara wants to acknowledge Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund under Grant number 13/RC/2073_P2

Figures

Image 1
Graphical abstract
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic illustration of healthy/normal skin tissue vs acne inflamed skin tissue, various factors (environmental, bacterial, diet, stress, smoking and relevant hormonal imbalance among others) contributing to the formation and development of acne.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Schematic illustration of major distinguishing of the two types of lesions (non-inflammatory, inflammatory) and their pathogenies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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