Abstract

AN OVERVIEW ON A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON ACNE WITH REMEDIES

*Nitin D. Somnathe¹, Mahendra D. Kshirsagar¹, Pravin K. Bhoyar²

ABSTRACT

Acne is the most common of all skin diseases. Statistics show that eighty-five percent of all people between the ages of twelve and twenty-five have some type of acne. It is a combined disorder of the oil glands and the hair follicle in the skin. It is characterized by both inflammatory (papules, pustules and nodules) and noninflammatory (comedones, open and closed) lesions. Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are common pus-forming microbes responsible for the development of various forms of acne vulgaris. Common therapies that are used for the treatment of acne include topical, systemic, hormonal, herbal and combination therapy. Topically used agents are benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and retinoids. Systemically used agents are antibiotics and isotretinoin. These drugs produce a number of potential side effects and development of resistance to frequently used antibiotics. A vast spectrum of topical anti-acne agents has emerged in response to new insights that have been gained through the understanding of disease pathophysiology and the need for clinicians to adopt an individualized therapeutic approach. Because topical agents are most commonly used for acne management, this article reviews some novel vehicle delivery advances that are poised to further enhance the efficacy of topical acne formulations, and/or offer the possibility of simplified dosing regimens that may improve treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Acne, papules, pustules, nodules, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis.