Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Literature Review

The document reviewed various treatments for acne vulgaris, a condition with a complex pathophysiology involving hair follicle plugging, sebaceous gland hyperactivity, bacterial colonization, and immune response. It highlighted the importance of combination therapy tailored to the individual's clinical severity and psychological profile, emphasizing the need for patience and long-term commitment. Topical treatments such as retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and dapsone gel were discussed, with retinoids being crucial for long-term maintenance to prevent new lesions. Systemic treatments like oral antibiotics, isotretinoin, and hormonal therapy were also reviewed, with considerations for their efficacy, side effects, and the issue of antibiotic resistance. Alternative treatments such as phototherapy, laser treatments, and chemical peels were mentioned, with superficial chemical peels noted for their good benefit-risk ratio in treating acne scars. The document also touched on future directions like genetic manipulation and vaccine development for acne treatment. However, the document did not specify the number of people involved in the studies it references, which is important for assessing the strength of the findings.