Current Concepts in the Treatment of Acne: Report from a Clinical Roundtable

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 17 million people. This figure includes 80% of all persons between the ages of 11 and 30 years, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender (Kraning and Odland, 1979). Acne has a significant economic and social impact on doctor visits, medications, and absenteeism, as well as in the negative effect it can have on self-image and outlook, especially during the emotionally critical period of adolescence. Persons with acne may think of themselves as unworthy and socially unacceptable. Severe acne may lead to scarring and disfigurement, aggravating the already present psychosocial aspects of this condition. Because of the multifactorial nature of acne, current treatment options aim to modify one or more of its pathogenic factors. Clinical experience has shown that combination therapies, which affect multiple aspects of pathophysiology, are most likely to achieve this goal and help in its long-term management and resolution.