TLDR The document concludes that new treatments are needed to better manage acne and reduce side effects related to current therapies.
The 2007 document reviews the pharmacological interventions for modulating sebaceous gland activity, particularly in the treatment of acne vulgaris. It focuses on isotretinoin, a synthetic vitamin A analog, which significantly reduces sebum production by up to 90%, shrinks sebaceous glands, and inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and inflammation. Isotretinoin's mechanism is not fully understood, but it affects various cellular processes and is typically prescribed at 0.5-1.0 mg/kg per day, with low-dose regimens also proving effective. Side effects are dose-dependent and reversible, with cheilitis being the most common. The document also addresses concerns about depression and suicide risk with isotretinoin, noting that the risk does not seem higher than in the general population, although the high teratogenic risk led to the implementation of the iPLEDGE program. Hormonal therapies, particularly those targeting androgens, are also discussed as important in treating acne, hirsutism, and androgenic alopecia, with noted side effects such as menstrual irregularities and potential liver issues. Oral contraceptives approved for acne treatment in the U.S. are listed, including those combining ethinyl estradiol with different progestins. The document concludes with a call for novel therapies to better treat acne and reduce side effects, given the complex nature of sebaceous gland functioning.
20 citations,
April 2006 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Antiandrogen therapies are beneficial for treating skin and hair conditions related to androgen levels.
research Acne
231 citations,
April 2005 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Acne affects most teenagers and can continue into adulthood, with various treatments available that show improvement but have concerns like antibiotic resistance and side effects.
169 citations,
August 2004 in “Baillière's best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology/Baillière's best practice and research in clinical obstetrics and gynaecology” Lower doses of treatments for hirsutism and acne in PCOS are effective and cause fewer side effects.
130 citations,
June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Estrogen Receptor ß (ERß) is the main hormone controller in human skin and hair follicles, not Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) or the Androgen Receptor (AR).
78 citations,
January 2003 in “Dermatology” Hormonal therapy is becoming a promising treatment for acne.
30 citations,
December 2001 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Hormonal therapy is a good option for women with severe acne, especially when there's a chance of hormone imbalance.
45 citations,
January 1998 in “Dermatology” Some skin conditions look like acne but are caused by drugs, and they usually get better when the drug is stopped.
416 citations,
September 1997 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” People with hair loss have more androgen receptors and enzymes in certain follicles, with men and women showing different patterns.
36 citations,
November 1995 in “Clinical endocrinology” Low-dose flutamide helps reduce excessive hair growth and is even more effective with birth control, without bad effects on blood fats.
40 citations,
January 1994 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” Male hormones affect oil-producing skin cells differently based on their body location, and the drug spironolactone can reduce these effects.
30 citations,
April 2007 in “Dermatologic Clinics” The document concludes that new treatments are needed to better manage acne and reduce side effects related to current therapies.
