A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients
June 2018
in “International Journal of Women's Dermatology”
TLDR Adult female acne treatment should be personalized, considering individual preferences and pregnancy, using various topical and oral medications while managing side effects and resistance.
The document from 2017 provides a detailed review of the diagnosis and treatment of acne vulgaris in adult female patients. It highlights the role of androgens and the prevalence of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adult female acne. The review suggests that treatment should be individualized, taking into account factors such as patient preferences, pregnancy, and lactation. It discusses various treatment options, including topical therapies like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical antibiotics, retinoids, azelaic acid, and dapsone, as well as systemic treatments like oral antibiotics and isotretinoin. The document emphasizes the importance of managing treatment side effects, the risks of antibiotic resistance, and the need for careful consideration of treatment during pregnancy and lactation due to potential risks to the fetus or infant. It also mentions complementary and alternative therapies, along with new treatments under development, while stressing the need for realistic treatment goals and frequent evaluations.
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