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Nature Reviews. Disease Primers Sep 2015Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease - rather than a natural part of the life cycle as colloquially viewed - of the pilosebaceous unit (comprising the hair... (Review)
Review
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease - rather than a natural part of the life cycle as colloquially viewed - of the pilosebaceous unit (comprising the hair follicle, hair shaft and sebaceous gland) and is among the most common dermatological conditions worldwide. Some of the key mechanisms involved in the development of acne include disturbed sebaceous gland activity associated with hyperseborrhoea (that is, increased sebum production) and alterations in sebum fatty acid composition, dysregulation of the hormone microenvironment, interaction with neuropeptides, follicular hyperkeratinization, induction of inflammation and dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immunity. Grading of acne involves lesion counting and photographic methods. However, there is a lack of consensus on the exact grading criteria, which hampers the conduction and comparison of randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating treatments. Prevention of acne relies on the successful management of modifiable risk factors, such as underlying systemic diseases and lifestyle factors. Several treatments are available, but guidelines suffer from a lack of data to make evidence-based recommendations. In addition, the complex combination treatment regimens required to target different aspects of acne pathophysiology lead to poor adherence, which undermines treatment success. Acne commonly causes scarring and reduces the quality of life of patients. New treatment options with a shift towards targeting the early processes involved in acne development instead of suppressing the effects of end products will enhance our ability to improve the outcomes for patients with acne.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Cicatrix; Hair Follicle; Humans; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Sebaceous Glands; Sebum
PubMed: 27189872
DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2015.29 -
Dermatologic Therapy Sep 2019Acne and rosacea are two well-known chronic skin diseases in dermatology. There are many known therapeutic options of both diseases, but new treatment agents and... (Review)
Review
Acne and rosacea are two well-known chronic skin diseases in dermatology. There are many known therapeutic options of both diseases, but new treatment agents and therapeutic advances come to the agenda day by day. We would like to summarize new treatment advances for acne and rosacea diseases.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Dermatologic Agents; Disease Management; Drug Administration Routes; Humans; Rosacea; Skin
PubMed: 31294907
DOI: 10.1111/dth.13020 -
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and... 2023Topical retinoids have an essential role in treatment of acne. Trifarotene, a topical retinoid selective for retinoic acid receptor (RAR) γ, is the most recent retinoid... (Review)
Review
Topical retinoids have an essential role in treatment of acne. Trifarotene, a topical retinoid selective for retinoic acid receptor (RAR) γ, is the most recent retinoid approved for treatment of acne. RAR-γ is the most common isoform of RARs in skin, and the strong selectivity of trifarotene for RAR-γ translates to efficacy in low concentration. Trifarotene, like other topical retinoids, acts by increasing keratinocyte differentiation and decreasing proliferation, which reduces hyperkeratinization. Retinoids have also been shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways via effects on leukocyte migration, toll-like receptors, and Activator Protein (AP)-1. Large-scale randomized, controlled clinical trials have demonstrated trifarotene to be safe, well tolerated, and efficacious in reducing both comedones and papules/pustules of acne. However, unlike all other retinoids, trifarotene is the first topical retinoid with rigorous clinical data on safety and efficacy in truncal acne. Data supporting use of trifarotene to manage acne are reviewed in this publication.
Topics: Humans; Dermatologic Agents; Administration, Cutaneous; Retinoids; Acne Vulgaris
PubMed: 36927117
DOI: 10.1177/12034754231163542 -
Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas Mar 2017Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease whose psychosocial effects can greatly impair quality of life. Various scales are used to classify the severity of acne, and...
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease whose psychosocial effects can greatly impair quality of life. Various scales are used to classify the severity of acne, and several treatment algorithms are currently applied: no consensus on a common scale or treatment guidelines has been reached. A group of Spanish experts therefore met to identify a scale the majority could accept as the most appropriate for classifying severity and treating accordingly. The group chose the following classifications: comedonal acne, mild or moderate papulopustular acne, severe papulopustular acne, moderate nodular acne, and nodular-cystic acne (or acne tending to leave scars). Consensus was reached on first- and second-choice treatments for each type and on maintenance treatment. The experts also issued specific recommendations on antibiotic use (starting with mild or moderate papulopustular acne), always in combination with retinoids and/or benzoyl peroxide. The use of isotretinoin (starting at severe papulopustular or moderate nodular acne) was also covered.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Algorithms; Androgens; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Benzoyl Peroxide; Child; Comorbidity; Female; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Isotretinoin; Male; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Propionibacterium acnes; Severity of Illness Index; Spain
PubMed: 27816123
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2016.10.001 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2017Acne vulgaris affects most people at some point in their lives. Due to unclear etiology, likely with multiple factors, targeted and low-risk treatments have yet to be... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Acne vulgaris affects most people at some point in their lives. Due to unclear etiology, likely with multiple factors, targeted and low-risk treatments have yet to be developed. In this review, we explore the multiple causes of acne and how plant-based foods and supplements can control these. The proposed causative factors include insulin resistance, sex hormone imbalances, inflammation and microbial dysbiosis. There is an emerging body of work on the human gut microbiome and how it mediates feedback between the foods we eat and our bodies. The gut microbiome is also an important mediator of inflammation in the gut and systemically. A low-glycemic load diet, one rich in plant fibers and low in processed foods, has been linked to an improvement in acne, possibly through gut changes or attenuation of insulin levels. Though there is much interest in the human microbiome, there is much more unknown, especially along the gut-skin axis. Collectively, the evidence suggests that approaches such as plant-based foods and supplements may be a viable alternative to the current first line standard of care for moderate acne, which typically includes antibiotics. Though patient compliance with major dietary changes is likely much lower than with medications, it is a treatment avenue that warrants further study and development.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Dietary Supplements; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Plants, Edible; Probiotics; Skin; Skin Physiological Phenomena
PubMed: 28513546
DOI: 10.3390/ijms18051070 -
Cells Jun 2021The relationship between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris has yet to be explored in the literature. Acne vulgaris is a chronic... (Review)
Review
The relationship between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris has yet to be explored in the literature. Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit. The pathogenesis of acne involves several hormonal pathways, including androgens, insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1), estrogens, and corticosteroids. EDCs influence these pathways primarily through two mechanisms: altering endogenous hormone levels and interfering with hormone receptor function. This review article describes the mechanistic links between EDCs and the development of acne lesions. Highlighted is the contributory role of androgen receptor ligands, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and mono-2-ethylhexyl Phthalate (MEHP), via upregulation of lipogenic genes and resultant exacerbation of cholesterol synthesis. Additionally discussed is the protective role of phytoestrogen EDCs in counteracting androgen-induced sebocyte maturation through attenuation of PPARy transcriptional activity (i.e., resveratrol) and restoration of estrogen-regulated TGF-B expression in skin cells (i.e., genistein). Examination of the relationship between EDCs and acne vulgaris may inform adjunctive avenues of treatment such as limiting environmental exposures, and increasing low-glycemic, plant-rich foods in the diet. With a better understanding of the cumulative role that EDCs play in acne, clinicians can be better equipped to treat and ultimately improve the lives of their patients.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Endocrine Disruptors; Female; Humans; Phytoestrogens; Young Adult
PubMed: 34207527
DOI: 10.3390/cells10061439 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Apr 2018Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can lead to permanent scarring. Although grading scales exist for acne scarring, there are many limitations,... (Review)
Review
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can lead to permanent scarring. Although grading scales exist for acne scarring, there are many limitations, and there is still a need for a well validated gold standard scale for use in clinical practice or research trials. An objective measure of scar severity should be a component of global acne severity evaluations. This manuscript reviews currently available acne scar grading modalities: lesion counting; subjective self-assessment; Acne Scar Rating Scale (ASRS); evaluator-based qualitative and quantitative scarring grading systems; Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'acne (ECCA); Global Scale for Acne Scar Severity (SCAR-S); and imaging. Despite the varying tools, most of the currently available scales do not account for scar color, depth, or change over time. A new, validated scale is needed that would allow for a more objective and accurate assessment of scar progression over time to assist with effective treatment and research.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Cicatrix; Disease Progression; Humans; Self-Assessment; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 28891036
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-017-0321-x -
Cutis Sep 2021
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Humans
PubMed: 34826281
DOI: 10.12788/cutis.0339 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jun 2024Acne scarring is common and can occur even with effective acne management. In addition, patients with acne scarring suffer from significant psychosocial morbidity,... (Review)
Review
Acne scarring is common and can occur even with effective acne management. In addition, patients with acne scarring suffer from significant psychosocial morbidity, including depression and suicidality. Despite the availability and advancement of therapeutic modalities, treatment for acne scarring is not always optimized and often overlooked in patients with acne encounters. Using acne scarring assessment tools and identifying specific acne scar subtypes allows for a tailored therapeutic approach. Part I of this continuing medical education series covers the pathophysiology and morphology of textural and pigmented acne scars, scarring assessment tools, and medical treatment options. The principles reviewed will aid in approaching and initiating acne scar treatment in the outpatient setting.
Topics: Humans; Acne Vulgaris; Cicatrix; Patient Education as Topic
PubMed: 35792196
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.04.021 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Jul 2022Topical retinoids are the cornerstone of current acne management due to their actions on multiple facets of acne pathophysiology. Retinoids are a family of compounds... (Review)
Review
Topical retinoids are the cornerstone of current acne management due to their actions on multiple facets of acne pathophysiology. Retinoids are a family of compounds that structurally and functionally resemble vitamin A, an essential nutrient with a key role in cellular growth and differentiation. In the skin, retinoids exert their effects by binding retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in the cell nucleus with subsequent regulation of gene transcription. There are three subtypes of RARs, and the topical retinoids currently approved for acne have differing receptor binding profiles which may translate to clinical differences, since the specific RAR subtypes activated dictate the biological response of target cells. The activity of a retinoid depends on cellular transport, receptor-binding pattern and affinity, and the genes activated. This review discusses physiologic pathways in skin that are affected by topical retinoids during acne therapy, with a focus on new data from trifarotene, a retinoid which is highly selective for the RAR-γ receptor. Recently, bioinformatic data comparing gene expression in acne lesions treated with trifarotene versus spontaneously resolving acne lesions showed that trifarotene significantly modulates 67 genes that do not appear in the spontaneously resolving lesion. These genes are involved in cellular migration, activation of adaptive immunity, inflammation, and matrix reorganization. Expression of these trifarotene-regulated genes after treatment and in an active lesion occurred in opposite directions, providing clues to the molecular and genetic response to trifarotene in resolving acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):734-740. doi:10.36849/JDD.6890.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Cell Differentiation; Humans; Retinoids; Skin
PubMed: 35816067
DOI: 10.36849/JDD.6890