Acne

Despite recommendations to limit the use of oral antibiotics, dermatologists continue to prescribe them in high numbers, according to results of a large, retrospective analysis of U.S. prescribing trends from 2004 to 2013.

Dermatologist evaluations of patient acne photos submitted via smartphone compare favorably to in-person evaluations, a JAMA Dermatology study shows.

The cost of doxycycline hyclate prescriptions increased 1,854% between 2011 and 2013 in a retrospective analysis of commercial claims data, and there was no association between market concentration and price of the oral antibiotic. Clinician or pharmacy level interventions to choose less costly oral tetracycline-class antibiotics could result in substantial cost savings.

Pooled meta-analysis does not support association between isotretinoin treatment for acne and worsening of depression.

The lack of serious laboratory abnormalities in patients on isotretinoin suggests that reduced monitoring may suffice.

Lasers and photodynamic therapy are practical treatment options for acne patients who fail or aren’t compliant with traditional first-line therapies. Today’s energy devices might also enhance acne treatment as adjuvant therapy, a review shows.

Dermatologists and others are increasingly using lasers and light-based therapies to treat acne, but the literature proving efficacy among these therapies is limited by few high-powered trials and lots of small, low-quality studies.

Expert panel offers guidelines for diagnosing and treating acne fulminans and its variants.

A recent review supports AAD and EADV calls to limit antibiotic use in acne, and to further study the issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Transient topical corticosteroids could take edge off severe irritation from topical retinoid acne treatment without decreasing efficacy.

Striking the perfect balance for retinoid use isn't easy. In this article, Dr. Michael Kolodney outlines his techniques for applying and managing retinoids.

Honoring the letter of minor consent laws requires respecting parents' wishes for oral contraceptives prescribed for acne.

EADV experts recommend six quality-of-life measures including the DLQI and Skindex-29 for acne treatment and research.

A new azelaic acid 15% foam may provide a viable alternative to oral treatments for truncal acne.

A combination of salicylic acid and botanicals commonly may provide anti-inflammatory benefits as a spot treatment for acne.

In this month’s Clinical Considerations, we learn from a new study that laser treatment following isotretinoin therapy can possibly be initiated sooner than we thought; researchers have shown microwave technology may reduce underarm odor, and glean guidance for diagnosing mycosis fungoides.

Patients on Medicare who receive prescriptions for acne and rosacea from specialists pay more for those medications than they would from a primary care physician, according to results of a new study.

Adolescents who have acne may have higher grade point averages and higher earning potential in the job market, according to findings from a recent study.

A pilot study has successfully challenged the current non-evidenced medical recommendation that patients with acne scars should wait six to 12 months after completion of oral isotretinoin treatment before the safe initiation of nonablative fractional laser resurfacing.

A nitric oxide-releasing gel to treat acne vulgaris has been found to be extremely safe, according to three Phase 1 pharmacokinetic clinical trials.

The goal of a tiered approach to acne is to improve both the patient’s acne and quality of life, while promoting responsible use of antibiotics.

Many dermatologists use spironolactone as a treatment in conjunction with traditional therapies, birth control and other hormonal modalities to help with the hormonal component of acne in adult women.

The clinical presentation of acne vulgaris in darker-skinned individuals differs in many ways from the white population, including some specific exacerbating factors that are due to cultural skin and hair-care practices.

The tetracycline-derived antibiotic sarecycline from Allergan plc and Paratek Pharmaceuticals Inc. for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne has been found effective and safe, according to the results of two phase 3 trials.

This month, our clinical considerations include articles on the role of the microbe in acne, data around a topical agent to treat tinea pedis, and insights on sebum interacts with airborne pollution.