Hot Topics in Acne

Acne: Novel Findings and Treatment Paradigms

Acne is perhaps the most prevalent skin disease in Western societies, yet dermatologists are now learning that simply "dubbing the medicine on the pimples" is not the way to manage it successfully. Acne is primarily an inflammatory disease, so treatment needs to be aimed not only at eradicating existing lesions but also at preventing long-term scarring and hyperpigmentation by rapidly reducing inflammation.

Moreover, the old-fashioned way of using antibiotics long-term as monotherapy is contributing to the global public health challenge of antibiotic resistance, which requires a new treatment paradigm emphasizing antibiotic stewardship. Antibiotic limiting regimens, including a combination of topic retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, are shown to be effective; and topical probiotics can also play a useful role.

These new understandings of acne pathogenesis, treatment targets (including those in skin of color), and antibiotic stewardship are all discussed in this supplement.