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Disease: Acne

Last update: May 2005

Intro

Acne is a common skin disorder. It can severely affect the lives of sufferers, particularly teenagers. Over the years, pharmaceutical research has discovered various treatments for it. Further investigations are set to lead to promising treatments in the future, especially in more severe forms.

FAQ

  • What is it?

    Acne is a skin disorder most commonly seen on the face, upper neck and chest. It is caused by bacteria, which live naturally on the skin and feed on sebum, an oily substance produced by glands in the skin.

    All acne begins with a pore becoming blocked by bacteria and sebum. These then develop into small, inflamed bumps that often contain visible pus. If the contents of the blocked pore spill into the surrounding skin the local immune system responds, resulting in large, painful, pus-filled spots, which often leave scars.
      

  • Who gets it?

    Acne is most common in teenagers and young adults. It tends to affect people with oily skin and it has been shown to run in families.
      

  • What can be done about it?

    Current treatments consist of creams or gels containing either antibiotics or antiseptics, which destroy bacteria, or mild acid solutions that encourage the peeling of dead skin cells and open up the blocked pores. Patients suffering from moderate to severe acne are often prescribed low dose antibiotics. It can take several weeks before having noticeable effect.

    Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, are prescribed for patients whose severe acne does not respond to standard therapies. These medicines decrease sebum production, unblock pores, destroy bacteria and reduce inflammation. They should be used under strict medical control. For many patients a treatment course will produce results that last for months or even years.
      

  • What does the future hold?

    A new antibiotic/retinoid combination has recently proved to be effective in clinical trials. Also, recent European research into the genetic make-up of the bacteria causing acne has revealed a number of factors that may be responsible for triggering acne inflammation. These findings are now being used to further explore the effects this bacteria has on the body's immune system.