Epidemiology and Management of Acne in Adult Women
January 2014
in “
Current Dermatology Reports
”
acne hormonal factors immune responses retinoids antibiotics oral contraceptives hormonal modulators light-based therapies PCOS combination therapies bacterial resistance botanical treatments adapalene-benzoyl peroxide clindamycin-tretinoin gel birth control pills polycystic ovary syndrome benzoyl peroxide clindamycin tretinoin
TLDR Many adult women suffer from persistent or late-onset acne, and while various treatments exist, finding the right one can be challenging.
The 2014 document reviews the prevalence, characteristics, and management of acne in adult women, noting that a significant percentage of women in their 20s to 40s experience acne, which can be persistent or have a late onset. It discusses the role of hormonal factors and immune responses in the pathophysiology of adult acne and the challenges in treatment, with many women failing multiple therapies. A variety of treatment options are covered, including topical therapies like retinoids and antibiotics, systemic therapies such as oral contraceptives and hormonal modulators, and light-based therapies. The document also addresses the association of acne with underlying disorders like PCOS, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive diagnostic workup. It highlights the effectiveness of combination therapies, the concerns of bacterial resistance with oral antibiotics, and the potential of alternative botanical treatments, though more research is needed. Special considerations for pregnant patients and the importance of patient adherence to extended therapy periods are also mentioned. The document includes a randomized controlled trial with 1670 patients showing the effectiveness of adapalene-benzoyl peroxide and a 52-week study on clindamycin-tretinoin gel, underscoring the need for future research on acne severity assessment and treatment efficacy.
