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Isotretinoin is a very effective medication for the treatment of severe recalcitrant acne. However, its use is associated with many side effects, some of which can be very serious. The most important issue is its teratogenicity, which has resulted in new pregnancy prevention policies and programmes implemented by the manufacturer. Recently, the association of isotretinoin with depression has been recognised and new guidelines have been adopted for this possible side effect. The most common adverse events, observed during treatment, are mucocutaneous and ophthalmological. In addition, laboratory abnormalities and effects in the nervous, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and other systems have been described.

TGF-beta is known to be a potent stimulus for neocollagenesis and a pivotal immunosuppressive cytokine which promotes inflammation resolution. Its upregulation by NA-PDL provides a possible unifying molecular mechanism linking stimulation of dermal remodelling in photorejuvenation with inhibition of inflammation in acne. Damage to P. acnes or sebaceous glands cannot explain the effect of this device in acne.

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatosis affecting 80% of the population. To date, different treatments have been used to manage this condition. Antibacterials and retinoids are currently the mainstay of treatment for acne, but their success rate varies. Phototherapy is emerging as an alternative option to treat acne vulgaris. Studies examining the role of different wavelengths and methods of light treatment have shown that phototherapy with visible light, specifically blue light, has a marked effect on inflammatory acne lesions and seems sufficient for the treatment of acne. In addition, the combination of blue-red light radiation seems to be superior to blue light alone, with minimal adverse effects. Photodynamic therapy has also been used, even in nodular and cystic acne, and had excellent therapeutic outcomes, although with significant adverse effects. Recently, low energy pulsed dye laser therapy has been used, and seems to be a promising alternative that would allow the simultaneous treatment of active acne and acne scarring. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of phototherapy as a monotherapy or an adjuvant treatment in the current management of acne vulgaris.

The new lotion containing triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate has been shown to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne, with an effect on both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions. The new lotion worked quickly and was generally well tolerated. A surprising finding was the significant impact the new lotion has on sebum production, suggesting a role in patients with seborrhoea. This nonantibiotic preparation will be a very useful addition to existing treatments for acne.

Isotretinoin is a very effective medication for the treatment of severe recalcitrant acne. However, its use is associated with many side effects, some of which can be very serious. The most important issue is its teratogenicity, which has resulted in new pregnancy prevention policies and programmes implemented by the manufacturer. Recently, the association of isotretinoin with depression has been recognised and new guidelines have been adopted for this possible side effect. The most common adverse events, observed during treatment, are mucocutaneous and ophthalmological. In addition, laboratory abnormalities and effects in the nervous, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary and other systems have been described.

The two-compound product calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate is arising as a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis. Its beneficial action is attributed to the synergistic effect of its components on keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, and on inflammation. The good tolerability of the two-compound product is thought to be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of betamethasone. Evidence from short-term (4-12 weeks) and long-term use (> 1 year) has shown a good safety profile. Areas such as the face or skin folds, which are sensitive to the components of the combination, should be avoided. Finally, it is unsuitable for use in unstable psoriasis, in which potent steroids may lead to an increased inflammatory response.

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