American Academy of Dermatology: New Treatments for the Management of Acne

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 1997-- There is continued progress in the development of medications to help those who suffer from acne. Several new medications for acne treatment have been made available during the past year.

Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update '97, Alan R. Shalita, M.D., Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology, SUNY Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, New York, discussed new treatments for the practical management of acne, emphasizing directive treatment to known pathogenic factors.

"While none of these is considered a dramatic breakthrough in acne treatment, they are positive therapeutic options that are now available to the dermatologist in managing this very common and frequently, troublesome disease," Dr. Shalita said.

The new medications made available during the past year include:

Tretinoin (microencapsulated) - The incorporation of tretinoin in microsponges decreases the potential for irritation in the use of this well- established acne medication.

Sodium Sulfacetamide clear lotion - Another "golden oldie" in acne care, this lotion reduces inflammation and is well tolerated. It is particularly well-suited for adult women, and is preferred over a topical antibiotic.

Adapalene - A Naphthoic acid derivative with retinoid activity. It appears to be less irritating than some forms of tretinoin and is effective in acne.

Azelaic Acid - This has gotten mixed results in Europe. It provides a broad spectrum of activity in acne cases, but provides slow onset of action.

Tazarotene - This receptor specific retinoid has had activity in both acne and psoriasis treatment.

People often think that acne is an adolescent issue. While acne commonly debuts with the hormonal changes of the pre-teen years, many cases are adult onset, often accompanying the hormonal changes of pregnancy, hormonal irregularities in the menstrual cycle, or ovarian cysts that may cause hormonal abnormalities that increase androgen productivity.

Typically, women suffer from adult onset, or worsening acne more often than men. Women usually seek standard acne therapies such as topical preparations, antibiotics or Accutane. Unfortunately, 60% of these women either do not respond to standard acne treatment or build up a tolerance to frequently used medications. "Antiandrogen and/or hormonal treatment of acne, limited to women, offers a different approach that is proving helpful when other treatments are ineffective," Dr. Shalita said. In addition, the FDA has now approved an oral contraceptive for acne treatment, Ortho Tricyclen.

Most acne treatments require prolonged care that should be carefully monitored by a dermatologist. Once improvement is achieved, a maintenance dose is usually necessary. Women who develop adult acne typically have the problem for many years.

Dr. Shalita further discussed how these medications can be incorporated into existing treatments as topical, systemic and local office therapies, fostering a lifetime of healthier, acne-free skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest medical society representing physicians who specialize in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions.

For free educational pamphlets and a list of local dermatologists, the public may call toll-free 1-888-462-DERM, ext. 44.

CONTACT: Donna Stein of American Academy Of Dermatology, 847-330-0101, ext. 341, or e-mail: dstein@aad.org