Emerging drugs for acne.

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder that affects most individuals at some point in their lives. It may result in significant morbidity, including cutaneous scarring and psychological impairment. Current treatments include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical and systemic antibiotics, and systemic isotretinoin. There are growing concerns of rising antibiotic resistance, significant side effects of isotretinoin therapy, and lack of safe and effective treatment for pregnant females. Recent advances in the pathogenesis of acne have led to a greater understanding of the underlying inflammatory mechanisms and the role the Propionibacterium acnes and biofilms. This has led to the development of new therapeutic targets. This article reviews emerging treatments of acne, including topical picolinic acid, topical antibiotic dapsone, systemic zinc salts, oral antibiotic lymecycline, new formulations of and synergistic combinations of benzoyl peroxide, photodynamic therapy with topical photosensitizers and potential acne vaccines.

Diagnosis and clinical features of pemphigus foliaceus.

Pemphigus foliaceus is an acquired autoimmune blistering disease in which the body's immune system produces IgG autoantibodies that target the intercellular adhesion glycoprotein desmoglein-1, which is principally expressed in the granular layer of the epidermis, resulting in the loss of intercellular connections between keratinocytes (acantholysis) and the formation of subcorneal blisters within the epidermis. This article summarizes the epidemiology, clinical features, techniques for diagnosis, and drugs associated with treatment of this rare disease.