RESEARCH ROUNDUP

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that affects preadolescents from the age of nine, adolescents and adults. The aim of this study was to look at the research and to recommend evidence-based treatments for acne. To perform this study, the authors carried out a systematic review. There was a total of 18 evidence-based recommendations with 5 recommendations that were deemed to be excellent. The most commonly made recommendations for acne treatment were benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics and oral doxycycline. Oral isotretinoin is also recommended for acne but this is strongly recommended for severe acne. This, however, can cause psychosocial burden and is also recommended to treat scarring, or for those for whom oral or topical therapy was not successful. Other recommendations that were made were topical clascoterone, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid. Oral minocycline, sarecycline, the combined oral contraceptive pills, and spironolactone were also recommended. It was also suggested to use a combination of topical therapies with multiple mechanisms of action, which would limit antibiotic use. For larger acne lesions, it was recommended to add corticosteroid injection. All recommendations from the authors were based on the available evidence at the time of the systematic review. The authors have suggested that these guidelines will help to provide clinicians with evidence-based recommendations for the management of acne vulgaris.