Abstract

A REVIEW ON TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ACNE VULGARIS

Mukesh Kumar Chaudhary* and Mohan Chaudhary

ABSTRACT

Acne vulgaris is an easily recognizable and very common dermatological disease. It affects people from childhood to adulthood, most often happening in adolescents. It occurs most frequently the face cheeks and to a lesser degree on the nose, forehead and chin. It is characterized by seborrhea, comedones, papules and pustules, less frequently by nodules, deep pustules, or pseudocycts and in some case, is accompanied by scarring. Epidemiological data suggests that acne incidence rates are considerably lower in non-westernized societies. Acne can have a significant physical, emotional and social impact on an individual. The treatment for acne dates back to Egyptian times when sulfur was used, to recent times with new forms of treatment with lasers and lights. Many different treatment options are available for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Commonly used topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, sulfur and sodium sulfacetamide, azelaic acid and retinoids. Systemic treatment is frequently used and includes the use of systemic antibiotics, oral contraceptives, antiandrogens and retinoids. Other treatment modalities exist such as the use of superficial chemical peels as well as using laser and light devices for the treatment of acne. Possibly the most interesting treatment on the perspective is vaccine therapy for acne. With the multiple treatment options and the rapidly expanding newer technologies available to clinician, it is important to review and to aware of the current literature and studies regarding the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, retinoids, antibiotics, laser and light.