Treatment of acne vulgaris in relation to its etiopathogenesis

Abstract

Acne vulgaris represent a frequent cutaneous disease manifested by chronic or recurrent development of papules, pustules, or nodules at the level of the face, neck, proximal upper extremities or trunk. The pathogenesis of acne vulgaris includes the interaction of multiple factors that lead to the development of comedones and inflammation. Although acne vulgaris dosen't represent a disease that is physically disabling, its psychologic impact can be striking, contributing to anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. As a result of all these, is a big demand for effective therapies for ane vulgaris. The pathogenesis and the treatment for each pathogenic cause of acne vulgaris will be reviewed here. Topical retinoids have a good influence for both comedonal (non-inflammatory) and inflammatory acne and should be included in the initial management of most of the patients. The efficacy of topical retinoids for inflammatory acne may be due to a combination of the intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties of the topical retinoids and their ability in the prevention of the formation of microcomedones.