Pharmacological Treatment of Acne

1. Pharmacological Treatment of Acne Acne vulgaris (commonly known aspimples) is a disease involving thesebaceous glands or oil glands that ispresent on the skin. The commonareas affected by acne are face,chest, and back in the same order. It is a disease of teenagers, in adolescent age group, and can persistup to 25 years of age. Acne thatappears for the first time after the age of 25 is late onset acne and needs to be investigated for an underlying cause. Acne can be divided into various grades depending on the severity and types of lesions withGrade I being the mild one and Grade IV being the severe one that may lead to scarringand disfiguration. Acne vulgaris can be a debilitating disease and can cause severe psychological stress andisolation from the peer group. The different grades of acne are: Grade I - Comedones (blackheads or whiteheads) Grade II - Red colour eruptions also known as papules Grade III - Pustules or lesions filled with pus or yellow serum like fluidGrade IV - Nodulocystic or lesions with depth There are infinite acne treatment modalities available both doctor prescribed as well as overthe counter. The line of treatment also differs depending on the grade of acne. Thetreatment of acne can be divided into topicals and oral medications. TOPICALS. These are creams and ointments used for surface application over the acnelesions. The various cream options available are:

2. 1. Medicated Facewash - Cleanse twice daily with a 5% benzoyl peroxide wash. An alternative for those who are allergic to benzoyl peroxide is 2% salicylic acid. 2. Clindamycin phosphate - It is an antibiotic gel useful in resolution of acne lesions by reducing the P.Acnes bacterial population 3. Benzoyl Peroxide - It is again an antibiotic gel available in two concentrations: 2.5% and 5%. The mechanism of action is the same as clindamycin phosphate. 4. Salicylic Acid - It is a mild keratolytic agent and causes reduction in the size of sebaceous gland and hence reduces the severity of acne lesions. 5. Nicotinamide - It is an antibiotic gel that reduces the bacterial population as well as the size of involved sebaceous gland. 6. Retinoids - These are epidermal modulating agents that regulate the net skin growth hence reduce the size of the acne lesions. Retinoids should be avoided in females planning to conceive or are pregnant. Direct exposure to the sun should also be avoided. ORAL MEDICATIONS. These are tablets that supplement the topical treatment. 1. Doxycycline - It helps in reduction of acne by reducing the population of P.Acnes bacteria. 2. Minocycline - It also reduces the size of acne lesions by preventing proliferation of P.Acnes bacteria. 3. Azithromycin - It is given in a pulse dose and reduces the bacteria and hence prevents recurrence of acne lesions. 4. Retinoids - Oral retinoids are the mainstay of treatment in severe form of acne and in acne scars. It should be strictly used after consulting your dermatologist. It is advised that you do not opt for self-medication and undergo any of the above treatmentunder the supervision of a dermatologist. There are non-pharmacological procedures available as well for acne treatment that I shallcover in my next blog. So stay tuned :) Article Source http://www.skinclinicbangalore.com/post/pharmacological-treatment-of-acne/879Published at Dr. Kisalay Saurav’s blog