Looking acne straight in the face: Treatment updates and challenges, with an emphasis on moderate to severe cases
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions treated by physicians, affecting 40 to 50 million people in the U.S. Although the disease can affect patients at any age, acne occurs most commonly during the adolescent years, with a prevalence as high as 85%. In 20% of cases, the acne is severe, resulting in permanent physical scarring as well as a mental health burden. That burden may include increased prevalence of mood disorders, psychiatric hospitalizations, school absenteeism, unemployment, and suicidality.
Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory disease affecting the hair follicles of the skin. While an understanding of acne pathogenesis is one that is continuously evolving, key pathogenic factors include follicular hyper-keratinization, microbial colonization, sebum production, and complex immune and inflammatory mechanisms. Other research suggests that neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms, diet, and genetic and factors all may contribute to the multifactorial process of acne pathogenesis. Professional guidelines for the treatment of acne vulgaris in adolescents and adults highlight the roles of topical and systemic pharmacotherapies as well as non-pharmacologic treatment modalities, including lasers and photodynamic therapy. However, in the time since the guidelines were published, newer medications have been approved or entered late stage clinical investigation. Communicating related information to HCPs in a timely manner is a demonstrated need.
Cost: Free
View Offer chevron_rightDetails
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions treated by physicians, affecting 40 to 50 million people in the U.S. Although the disease can affect patients at any age, acne occurs most commonly during the adolescent years, with a prevalence as high as 85%. In 20% of cases, the acne is severe, resulting in permanent physical scarring as well as a mental health burden. That burden may include increased prevalence of mood disorders, psychiatric hospitalizations, school absenteeism, unemployment, and suicidality.
Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory disease affecting the hair follicles of the skin. While an understanding of acne pathogenesis is one that is continuously evolving, key pathogenic factors include follicular hyper-keratinization, microbial colonization, sebum production, and complex immune and inflammatory mechanisms. Other research suggests that neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms, diet, and genetic and factors all may contribute to the multifactorial process of acne pathogenesis. Professional guidelines for the treatment of acne vulgaris in adolescents and adults highlight the roles of topical and systemic pharmacotherapies as well as non-pharmacologic treatment modalities, including lasers and photodynamic therapy. However, in the time since the guidelines were published, newer medications have been approved or entered late stage clinical investigation. Communicating related information to HCPs in a timely manner is a demonstrated need.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session the participant will be able to:
- Summarize the healthcare burden experienced by patients with moderate to severe acne.
- Recall presently available and emerging pharmacotherapeutic treatment strategies for moderate to severe acne and key factors that impact treatment decision-making.
- Formulate a treatment plan for a patient with moderate or severe acne.
- Describe challenges to the optimal treatment of acne and strategies for overcoming them.
Target Audience
The following HCPs: dermatologists, primary care physicians, and pediatricians; nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists who practice in dermatology and ambulatory care settings; and those who otherwise commonly care for or clinically encounter patients with acne.