ABSTRACT
No Coisa de Homem, desta quarta-feira (5), vamos conversar sobre uma das doenças de pele mais comuns, as espinhas. Tire suas dúvidas sobre a condição e ainda descubra como o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) pode auxiliar no tratamento.
Subject(s)
Acne VulgarisSubject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Dermatologic Agents , Isotretinoin , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Humans , Isotretinoin/therapeutic use , Isotretinoin/adverse effects , Isotretinoin/administration & dosage , Cross-Sectional Studies , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical data , Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Female , Male , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Adult , Drug Prescriptions/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Isotretinoin is widely used for treatment of severe cystic acne; however, its use is accompanied by mucocutaneous adverse effects. The established protocol for conducting cutaneous procedures on patients undergoing current or recent treatment with isotretinoin recommends a cessation period of at least 6 months to mitigate risks for delayed wound healing and hypertrophic scarring due to medication-induced skin fragility. We present a unique case of isotretinoin-induced skin fragility resulting in blistering and erosions on the palms of a 25-year-old competitive aerial trapeze artist. This case highlights the underrecognized risk for skin vulnerability in athletes undergoing isotretinoin treatment and the importance of guiding athletes on heightened skin vulnerability during isotretinoin treatment.
Subject(s)
Dermatologic Agents , Isotretinoin , Humans , Isotretinoin/adverse effects , Isotretinoin/administration & dosage , Dermatologic Agents/adverse effects , Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Adult , Male , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , AthletesABSTRACT
The circulating androgens have a role in the pathogenesis of both acne vulgaris and androgenetic alopecia; an association between these two have been found previously. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of the severity of acne vulgaris lesions to the subtype of AGA; and to validate the relationship between severities of acne vulgaris and AGA. This study was conducted cross-sectionally at five different dermatology clinics. Male and female androgenetic alopecia patients with comorbid acne vulgaris have been included. The age, gender, severity of acne lesions, subtype of androgenetic alopecia and the severity of androgenetic alopecia were noted. The severity of acne lesions were graded according to the Global Acne Severity Scale and androgenetic alopecia was graded according to the Hamilton and Ludwig Scales. SPSS v 21 was used for the statistical analysis. A total of 101 patients have been included (12 male and 89 female). The mean age of the patients with severe acne was statistically significantly lower (p = 0.020). The difference in terms of gender was statistically insignificant (p = 0.388). The severity of acne vulgaris was found to be independent of the severity and of the subtype of AGA; p = 0.623 and 0.870 respectively. Neither a relationship between the severity of androgenetic alopecia and severity of acne; nor a relationship between acne severity and androgenetic alopecia subtype were found in this study. Thus we report that, acne severity is independent of the subtype and stage of the co-existing androgenetic alopecia.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Alopecia , Severity of Illness Index , Humans , Acne Vulgaris/epidemiology , Alopecia/diagnosis , Alopecia/epidemiology , Alopecia/pathology , Male , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adult , Young Adult , Adolescent , Middle Aged , Androgens/bloodABSTRACT
A comprehensive understanding of the intricate cellular and molecular changes governing the complex interactions between cells within acne lesions is currently lacking. Herein, we analyzed early papules from six subjects with active acne vulgaris, utilizing single-cell and high-resolution spatial RNA sequencing. We observed significant changes in signaling pathways across seven different cell types when comparing lesional skin samples (LSS) to healthy skin samples (HSS). Using CellChat, we constructed an atlas of signaling pathways for the HSS, identifying key signal distributions and cell-specific genes within individual clusters. Further, our comparative analysis revealed changes in 49 signaling pathways across all cell clusters in the LSS- 4 exhibited decreased activity, whereas 45 were upregulated, suggesting that acne significantly alters cellular dynamics. We identified ten molecules, including GRN, IL-13RA1 and SDC1 that were consistently altered in all donors. Subsequently, we focused on the function of GRN and IL-13RA1 in TREM2 macrophages and keratinocytes as these cells participate in inflammation and hyperkeratinization in the early stages of acne development. We evaluated their function in TREM2 macrophages and the HaCaT cell line. We found that GRN increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-18, CCL5, and CXCL2 in TREM2 macrophages. Additionally, the activation of IL-13RA1 by IL-13 in HaCaT cells promoted the dysregulation of genes associated with hyperkeratinization, including KRT17, KRT16, and FLG. These findings suggest that modulating the GRN-SORT1 and IL-13-IL-13RA1 signaling pathways could be a promising approach for developing new acne treatments.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Skin , Humans , Acne Vulgaris/genetics , Acne Vulgaris/pathology , Acne Vulgaris/metabolism , Skin/pathology , Skin/metabolism , Signal Transduction/genetics , Male , Macrophages/metabolism , Keratinocytes/metabolism , Keratinocytes/pathology , Interleukin-13 Receptor alpha1 Subunit/genetics , Interleukin-13 Receptor alpha1 Subunit/metabolism , FemaleABSTRACT
Acne caused by inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands is a common chronic skin disease. Arctigenin (ATG) is an extract of Arctium lappa L., which has significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect and mechanism of ATG in cutaneous inflammation mediated by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) has not been fully evaluated. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and potential mechanism of ATG in the treatment of acne through network pharmacology and experimental confirmation. An acne model was established by injected live C. acnes into living mice and treated with ATG. Our data showed that ATG effectively improved acne induced by live C. acnes, which was confirmed by determining ear swelling rate, estradiol concentration and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In addition, ATG inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in mice ear tissues and reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß to relieve inflammation. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking confirmed that ATG can regulate 17ß-Estradiol (E2) levels through targeted to CYP19A1, and finally inhibited skin inflammation. Taken together, our results confirmed that ATG regulated E2 secretion by targeting CYP19A1, thereby inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway and improving inflammation levels in acne mice. This study provides a basis for the feasibility of ATG in treating acne in clinical practice.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Aromatase , Furans , Lignans , Molecular Docking Simulation , Network Pharmacology , Animals , Furans/chemistry , Furans/pharmacology , Mice , Lignans/pharmacology , Lignans/chemistry , Lignans/therapeutic use , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Acne Vulgaris/microbiology , Aromatase/metabolism , Aromatase/chemistry , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Skin/pathology , Skin/drug effects , Skin/metabolism , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/metabolism , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors , Inflammasomes/metabolism , Humans , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Propionibacterium acnes/drug effects , Interleukin-1beta/metabolism , Disease Models, AnimalABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To develop a simple, subjective, and reliable grading scale for isotretinoin-induced meibography changes. METHODS: After analyzing meibography images obtained from systemic isotretinoin users, a grading scale was proposed and named "meibography health score." The score ranged from 1 to 3, with decreasing gland reflectivity and identifiable margins. A total of 11 medical professionals were asked to grade 10 meibography images obtained from isotretinoin users using the proposed scale and were divided into three groups: (A) ophthalmologists with experience with meibography, (B) ophthalmologists with no experience with meibography, and (C) radiologists. The kappa statistic was determined to test interrater reliability. RESULTS: The overall kappa was approximately 0.64. The kappa scores for Groups A, B, and C were 0.78, 0.59, and 0.90, respectively. Grade 2 had the lowest kappa scores (0.62, 0.35, and 0.82 for A, B, and C, respectively) and grade 3 the highest (0.78, 0.90, and 1.0 for A, B and C, respectively). Furthermore, Group C had the highest kappa scores and Group B the lowest. CONCLUSION: The meibography health score exhibited good interrater reliability, particularly in severe cases.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Dermatologic Agents , Isotretinoin , Meibomian Glands , Observer Variation , Humans , Isotretinoin/adverse effects , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Reproducibility of Results , Meibomian Glands/drug effects , Meibomian Glands/diagnostic imaging , Meibomian Glands/pathology , Dermatologic Agents/adverse effects , Severity of Illness Index , Female , Male , Eyelid Diseases/chemically induced , Eyelid Diseases/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of microneedling (MN), both alone and in combination with other treatments, to refine the approach for treating acne scars using MN. We systematically searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials examining MN or its combinations in patients with acne scars. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 18 software. A total of 24 studies involving 1546 participants were included. The analysis revealed that MN combined with chemical peels (CP) exhibited the best results in terms of degree of improvement, patient satisfaction, and treatment efficacy compared to other treatments examined, including MN alone, MN with hyaluronic acid (HA), MN with botulinum toxinA (TA), MN with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), PRP alone, CP, and laser therapy. The results for MN combined with additional treatments were obviously better than for MN alone. Side effects such as erythema, pain, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation showed no significant differences across all treatments assessed.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Cicatrix , Needles , Network Meta-Analysis , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Humans , Acne Vulgaris/complications , Acne Vulgaris/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Combined Modality Therapy/methods , Cicatrix/etiology , Cicatrix/therapy , Cicatrix/diagnosis , Needles/adverse effects , Patient Satisfaction , Chemexfoliation/methods , Chemexfoliation/adverse effects , Dry Needling/methods , Dry Needling/adverse effects , Hyaluronic Acid/administration & dosage , Hyaluronic Acid/adverse effects , Platelet-Rich Plasma , Laser Therapy/methods , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage , Botulinum Toxins, Type A/adverse effects , Percutaneous Collagen InductionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acne is an inflammatory disease affecting adolescents during puberty, but also adults. Determinants of acne may include genetic predisposition as well as diet. The Western diet is rich in processed products with low nutrient density, resulting in a lack of supply of many essential minerals that are needed for the body to function properly. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the dietary behaviour of people with acne vulgaris and respondents' selfassessment of the severity of acne lesions after consumption of selected products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out by means of an online, self-administered questionnaire, a link to which was inserted in group of people struggling with acne on a social network. RESULTS: More than half of the respondents said that acne was present in their parents. Almost 91% of the women surveyed said that acne lesions were exacerbated before menstruation. Respondents were most often treated by a dermatologist. The most common foods consumed by the respondents were milk and milk products and wheat bread. The least frequently consumed products were: sultanas, cornflakes, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Statistical analysis showed a strong strength of association between consumption of white rice, fast food, omega-6-rich oils on the severity of acne lesions, while sultana consumption was very strong correlated. In addition, the study showed an almost certain correlation regarding the consumption of white flour pasta on acne lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Statistical analysis showed a relationship between the consumption of white rice, white flour pasta, fast food products, sultanas, oils rich in omega-6 fats and the exacerbation of acne lesions.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Humans , Female , Male , Adult , Adolescent , Young Adult , Poland , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Food Preferences/psychology , Diet/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
As our understanding of dermatological conditions advances, it becomes increasingly evident that traditional pharmaceutical interventions are not universally effective. The intricate balance of the skin microbiota plays a pivotal role in the development of various skin conditions, prompting a growing interest in probiotics, or live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), as potential remedies. Specifically, the topical application of LBPs to modulate bacterial populations on the skin has emerged as a promising approach to alleviate symptoms associated with common skin conditions. This review considers LBPs and their application in addressing a wide spectrum of dermatological conditions with particular emphasis on three key areas: acne, atopic dermatitis, and wound healing. Within this context, the critical role of strain selection is presented as a pivotal factor in effectively managing these dermatological concerns. Additionally, the review considers formulation challenges associated with probiotic viability and proposes a personalised approach to facilitate compatibility with the skin's unique microenvironment. This analysis offers valuable insights into the potential of LBPs in dermatological applications, underlining their promise in reshaping the landscape of dermatological treatments while acknowledging the hurdles that must be overcome to unlock their full potential.
Subject(s)
Probiotics , Skin , Probiotics/therapeutic use , Humans , Skin/microbiology , Acne Vulgaris/microbiology , Acne Vulgaris/therapy , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Wound Healing , Dermatitis, Atopic/microbiology , Dermatitis, Atopic/drug therapy , Dermatitis, Atopic/therapy , Microbiota , Skin Diseases/microbiology , Skin Diseases/drug therapy , Skin Diseases/therapy , Biological Products/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Vitamin A derivatives have inhibitory effects on cartilage tissue, such as decreasing chondrocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis, and increasing the loss of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. Therefore, isotretinoin (a vitamin A derivative) may play a role in the pathogenesis of cartilage-related diseases like osteoarthritis by affecting the balance of cartilage tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distal femoral cartilage thickness in acne patients under the systemic isotretinoin therapy and to determine whether it constitutes a risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis. The study included 52 patients (42 female, 10 male, mean age 23.31 ± 3.89 years) who were prescribed systemic isotretinoin for acne and completed at least 3 months of treatment, along with 45 healthy controls ((35 female, 10 male, mean age 23.85 ± 4.77 years). Bilateral distal femoral cartilage thickness was measured by ultrasonography before isotretinoin treatment and after the completion of the third month of treatment. After treatment, a statistically significant increase was found in the thickness of the right medial, right lateral, left medial, left lateral, and left intercondylar cartilage (p = 0.014, 0.012, 0.019, 0.027, 0.002, respectively). There was also an increase in the right intercondylar cartilage thickness, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.1). Systemic isotretinoin seems to make cartilage thicker. The increase in femoral cartilage thickness observed after short-term isotretinoin treatment might be an indicator of very early-stage osteoarthritis. Extended follow-up studies with larger participant pools are necessary to substantiate this result.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Cartilage, Articular , Femur , Isotretinoin , Humans , Isotretinoin/adverse effects , Isotretinoin/therapeutic use , Isotretinoin/administration & dosage , Female , Male , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Acne Vulgaris/pathology , Acne Vulgaris/diagnosis , Adult , Young Adult , Cartilage, Articular/pathology , Cartilage, Articular/drug effects , Cartilage, Articular/diagnostic imaging , Femur/diagnostic imaging , Femur/drug effects , Femur/pathology , Ultrasonography , Dermatologic Agents/adverse effects , Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Osteoarthritis/drug therapy , Osteoarthritis/pathology , Osteoarthritis/diagnostic imaging , Risk Factors , Case-Control StudiesABSTRACT
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that involves Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), which is classified into six main phylotypes (IA1, IA2, IB, IC, II and III). Acne development is associated with loss of C. acnes phylotype diversity, characterised by overgrowth of phylotype IA1 relative to other phylotypes. It was also shown that purified extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by C. acnes can induce an acne-like inflammatory response in skin models. We aimed to determine if the inflammatory profile of EVs secreted by C. acnes phylotype IA1 from an inflammatory acne lesion was different from C. acnes phylotype IA1 from normal skin, thus playing a direct role in the severity of inflammation. EVs were produced in vitro after culture of two clinical strains of C. acnes phylotype IA1, T5 from normal human skin and A47 from an inflammatory acne lesion, and then incubated with either human immortalised keratinocytes, HaCaT cells, or skin explants obtained from abdominoplasty. Subsequently, quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed for human ß-defensin 2 (hBD2), cathelicidin (LL-37), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17α and IL-36γ, and ELISA for IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17α. We found that EVs produced in vitro by C. acnes derived from inflammatory acne lesions significantly increased the pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-microbial peptides at both transcriptional and protein levels compared with EVs derived from normal human skin. We show for the first time that C. acnes EVs from inflammatory acne play a crucial role in acne-associated inflammation in vitro and that C. acnes phylotype IA1 collected from inflammatory acne lesion and normal skin produce different EVs and inflammatory profiles in vitro.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Extracellular Vesicles , Keratinocytes , Propionibacterium acnes , Humans , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Acne Vulgaris/microbiology , Keratinocytes/microbiology , Skin/microbiology , Inflammation/microbiology , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Interleukin-8/metabolism , HaCaT Cells , Interleukin-1alpha/metabolism , Interleukin-1beta/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Interleukin-17/metabolism , PropionibacteriaceaeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a complex, multifactorial, inflammatory skin condition. Although frequently presented at dermatology clinics, the literature on adult acne is scarce, particularly concerning skin barrier function and management. We aimed to provide insights into the role of skin barrier integrity in adult acne patients and the role of cleansers and moisturizers as adjunctive to treating and maintaining adult acne. Methods: A panel of eight dermatologists who treat adult patients with acne developed a consensus paper on the role of skin barrier function and skin care in adult acne management. The modified Delphi method comprised a face-to-face meeting and online follow-up to discuss the results of a scoping literature review. Drawing from their experience and opinions, they agreed on seven consensus statements. Results: Epidermal barrier dysfunction plays a vital role in acne pathogenesis and asymmetrically impacts adult female acne. Erythema, pruritus, peeling, and xerosis are common adverse effects of first-line acne treatment options and, if not appropriately counseled and managed, can exacerbate, leading to regimen nonadherence and poor patient experience and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Improving patient knowledge of comprehensive acne treatments, including quality adjunctive cleansers and moisturizers, may maximize regimen efficacy and provide patients with personalized and successful acne treatment and maintenance tools. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):674-679. doi:10.36849/JDD.8471.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Skin Care , Humans , Acne Vulgaris/therapy , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Skin Care/methods , Adult , Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Female , Delphi Technique , ConsensusABSTRACT
Acne in the United Arab Emirates is a common disease that causes burden to patients, has psychosocial impacts, and is associated with physical sequelae such as dyspigmentation and scarring. This guideline, which was developed from an evaluation of existing international and national evidence-based acne guidelines along with live meetings of United Arab Emirates acne experts, is designed to facilitate the management of acne in the UAE health care system. It discusses the evaluation of acne severity, evidence-based guidance on acne treatment, and strategies for the management of this chronic disease. Effective treatment of active lesions and prevention of sequela is likely to improve the health of many United Arab Emirates patients with acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(8):653-660. doi:10.36849/JDD.7748R1.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Consensus , Acne Vulgaris/therapy , Acne Vulgaris/diagnosis , Humans , United Arab Emirates/epidemiology , Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Severity of Illness Index , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Evidence-Based Medicine/standardsABSTRACT
The optimal frequency and timing of laboratory monitoring during isotretinoin treatment remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the frequency, timing, and severity of abnormal results during isotretinoin for acne. We conducted a retrospective cohort study comprising 444 acne patients prescribed isotretinoin at Boston Medical Center from 2004 to 2017; these patients had at least one available baseline laboratory result. We categorized patients into two groups: group A (normal values at baseline and during the first 2 months of isotretinoin therapy) and group B (abnormal values at baseline or during the first 2 months of isotretinoin therapy) and assessed the laboratory values after 2 months. The frequency of abnormal results for triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) after 2 months for patients in group A was 21.1%, 13.6%, 8.8%, and 6.0%, respectively, with very rare grade 2 (moderate) or higher abnormalities. In contrast, the frequency of abnormal results for patients in group B for triglycerides, cholesterol, AST, and ALT was higher at 67.9%, 88.0%, 40.0%, and 25.0%, respectively (P < 0.05, except for ALT). No patient developed higher than grade 1 (mild) complete blood count (CBC) abnormality. This study proposed that healthy patients with normal results at baseline and during the first 2 months of isotretinoin therapy might not need routine monitoring after month 2 of medication. Routine monitoring of CBC is not necessary.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Alanine Transaminase , Aspartate Aminotransferases , Dermatologic Agents , Isotretinoin , Humans , Isotretinoin/therapeutic use , Isotretinoin/adverse effects , Isotretinoin/administration & dosage , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies , Male , Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Dermatologic Agents/administration & dosage , Dermatologic Agents/adverse effects , Female , Alanine Transaminase/blood , Young Adult , Aspartate Aminotransferases/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Triglycerides/blood , Cholesterol/blood , Time Factors , Drug Monitoring/methodsABSTRACT
Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological diagnosis observed in pediatric patients with skin of color, often resulting in scarring, keloid formation, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, significantly impacting their quality of life. This exploratory retrospective chart review included 77 black pediatric patients seen at a tertiary care center for acne vulgaris between 2018 and 2023. We analyzed demographics, acne descriptors, and treatment modalities. The most common acne morphology was comedonal acne (83.6%), with 71% of the patients being female. Significant age differences were observed particularly for acne at the chin and overall face. Treatment regimens commonly prescribed included combinations of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (22%), topical antibiotics, tretinoin, and benzoyl peroxide (34%). Given the higher risk of sequelae for patients with darker skin, it is crucial to address their unique treatment needs. This study highlights the distinctive characteristics of acne in black pediatric patients and calls for further research to enhance our understanding and treatment of this population. Limitations include the lack of direct patient interactions and reliance on chart data. Further studies are needed to compare acne presentation in skin of color of other populations, refining our knowledge of acne clinical presentation, complications, and treatment modalities for diverse patient populations.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Black or African American , Dermatologic Agents , Humans , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Female , Child , Male , Retrospective Studies , Adolescent , Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Benzoyl Peroxide/therapeutic use , Tretinoin/therapeutic use , Age FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (acne) is a common skin condition sometimes needing topical or oral antibiotic treatment. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (together known as pharmacy professionals) working in general practice are well placed to ensure their appropriate use. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to pilot an evidence-based intervention ('How to ' tool) to review treatments in the management of acne and evaluate the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour (COM-B) of pharmacy professionals working in general practice before and after the use of this tool. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A quantitative electronic survey was developed asking UK-based pharmacy professionals working in general practice to rate their agreement with 21 predefined statements related to the COM-B model. INTERVENTION: Participants were sent an initial survey, given time to access and use the 'How to ' acne resources and then sent a follow-up survey 2 weeks later. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was change in 5-point Likert scale responses to statements on capability, opportunity and motivation in the management of acne. Secondary outcome was the perceived usefulness of the toolkit. RESULTS: 141 pharmacy professionals completed the initial survey; 19 completed the follow-up survey. Significant improvement in the 5-point Likert scale means that responses were observed after implementation of the acne 'How to' resource; capability 3.68 (SD 0.40) versus 4.11 (SD 0.29), t(189) =-5.10, p <0.001; opportunity 3.85 (SD 0.24) versus 4.07 (SD 0.29), t(94)=-2.50, p=0.007 and motivation 4.35 (SD 0.47) versus 4.51 (SD 0.32), t(113)=-2.51, p=0.007. The 'How to' resources were rated as being useful (4.06, SD 0.12) and supportive (4.08, SD 0.18) to help pharmacy professionals in all areas of managing acne. CONCLUSION: The acne 'How to' resources are useful to pharmacy professionals in managing acne in general practice and may improve their capability. Further work is needed with greater numbers of participants to demonstrate generalisability of this outcome.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , General Practice , Pharmacists , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Humans , United Kingdom , Pilot Projects , General Practice/methods , Female , Surveys and Questionnaires , Male , Adult , Pharmacy Technicians , MotivationABSTRACT
Acne is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous gland in the hair follicle. Commonly used external medications cause skin irritation, and the transdermal capacity is weak, making it difficult to penetrate the cuticle skin barrier. Hair follicles can aid in the breakdown of this barrier. As nanomaterials progress, polymer-based nanocarriers are routinely used for hair follicle drug delivery to treat acne and other skin issues. Based on the physiological and anatomical characteristics of hair follicles, this paper discusses factors affecting hair follicle delivery by polymer nanocarriers, summarizes the common combination technology to improve the targeting of hair follicles by carriers, and finally reviews the most recent research progress of different polymer nanodrug-delivery systems for the treatment of acne by targeting hair follicles.
Subject(s)
Acne Vulgaris , Drug Carriers , Hair Follicle , Polymers , Hair Follicle/drug effects , Hair Follicle/metabolism , Acne Vulgaris/drug therapy , Humans , Polymers/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Nanoparticles , Administration, Cutaneous , Animals , Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System/chemistryABSTRACT
Acne is a common inflammatory condition of the skin worldwide. The skin is an endocrine organ and hormones are a key pathogenic factor in all types of acne with a particularly important role in adult female acne pathogenesis and management. In females, we have the unique opportunity to manipulate hormones systemically to successfully manage acne and, more recently with the approval of clascoterone 1% cream, we can target the hormones topically in both genders. The intent of this paper is to provide physicians with an up-to-date clinically relevant review of the role of hormones in acne, the impact of currently available contraceptives and therapies available to target hormones in acne.