Advances and perspectives in acne therapy

Acne is one of the most common diseases in dermatology. It is of considerable esthetic significance, which explains the mental stress in affected patients. Although acne almost always heals spontaneously in early adulthood, treatment measures can shorten the course, reduce the severity of the disease, and avoid complications such as scarring. Treatment has changed substantially in recent years. In accordance with pathogenic principles, effective treatment is possible. In most patients, a combination of drugs aimed at correcting abnormal keratinization and reducing the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes is sufficient to control the disease. For more severely affected patients with no response to this approach, therapy to suppress sebum production is indicated. Of all therapeutic modalities available, only oral isotretinoin alters the natural course of the disease. In acne inversa, surgical management should be undertaken as early as possible.