Complex therapy of acne: From theory to practice

This article discusses the relevance of the etiopathogenesis, clinic and effective treatment of acne depending on the form and stage of the disease. In accordance with the clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease manifested by open or closed comedones and inflammatory skin lesions in the form of papules, pustules, and nodules. It is a multifactorial dermatosis in the pathogenesis of which genetically determined hyperandrogenism and a genetically determined type of sebaceous gland secretion play an important role. The incidence of acne in the population is 85–93%, with a steady increase in incidence in puberty and adulthood. Acne treatment is comprehensive – systemic drugs and mandatory local therapy, taking into account the main pathogenetic mechanisms. To achieve the positive effects of therapy, the article describes combined drugs that have a more pronounced therapeutic effect due to their selective action on follicular hyperkeratosis, the inflammatory process, reproduction and colonization of microorganisms. Azelaic acid preparations, as well as combinations of the antibiotic clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, have such an effect on the affected skin. The publication examines various clinical cases of somatically healthy patients suffering from moderate acne. According to the doctor’s prescription, patients used combined external preparations strictly in accordance with clinical recommendations. At the end of the course of treatment, patients noted a significant improvement in the condition of the dermis in the form of minimizing the manifestations of acne. Careful study and further knowledge of the facts about the etiology and pathogenesis of acne, a wide range of drugs for external and systemic therapy of the disease, and the availability of a large amount of information make it possible to achieve significant improvements, minimal process alterations, and stable remission in the vast majority of patients.