Acne Treatment. What Should You Know?
Acne treatment is essential since it is the most common disease among adolescents and often persists into adulthood, with detrimental effects on self-esteem. The conception of acne has been refined towards a ‘chronic disease.’ Instead, it represents a condition that continuously changes in its clinical appearance than teenagers’ acute, self-limited disease. The strategy of acne treatment is not only an acute intervention but also maintenance. Dermatologists need to educate other clinicians that acne is often a chronic disease and not just a self-limiting disorder of teenagers. Why is this important? Because many of our medical colleagues and a significant proportion of the lay public dismiss acne as a natural part of growing up that has few real consequences. Yet considerable evidence shows that acne can be a psychologically damaging condition. Acne medications are very productive, but only when patients use them correctly. Finally, patients should be taught the proper use of medications. Oral isotretinoin is the most effective acne treatment developed to date. Newer acne treatments include the usage of radiofrequency, light, and laser. It is considered an alternative when oral medication is contraindicated. Maintenance therapy to minimize the likelihood of relapse after initially successful treatment of acne is essential, given the chronic nature of the disease. Using a topical retinoid as monotherapy to maintain acne remission is a relatively new concept for many clinicians.