What's New in Acne

In a recent presentation on advancements in acne treatment, key areas of focus included the pathogenesis of acne, new topical treatments, and updates on isotretinoin. The speaker emphasized that while traditional understanding identified four main factors contributing to acne, such as excess sebum and the presence of Cutobacterium acnes, a deeper examination reveals complexities, including various inflammatory pathways and the role of adaptive immunity. New topical treatments highlighted include a triple fixed-dose combination of clindamycin, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide, shown to significantly reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions as early as four weeks. Another notable mention was the classicoderone cream, a topical androgen receptor inhibitor effective in both male and female patients, which demonstrated slower onset but effective sebum reduction. Additionally, there were updates on isotretinoin, including concerns about potential sexual side effects, although a recent study found no significant difference in sexual dysfunction risks compared to other treatments. Finally, the speaker discussed the positive outcomes of concurrent laser treatments while on isotretinoin, suggesting that this approach could improve scarring outcomes, urging clinicians to reconsider treatment timelines. Overall, the presentation underscored the need for a comprehensive understanding of acne pathogenesis and the robust potential of both new topical therapies and isotretinoin in treating acne.