Posted on the Pediatric SuperSite on March 8, 2010
New treatments emerge for acne and rosacea
Novel approaches to treating acne and rosacea, combined with careful skin
care, may reduce the severity and improve the appearance of both conditions,
according to a speaker at the
68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of
Dermatology.
Jenny J. Kim, MD, PhD, said antibiotic therapy was the typical
treatment for most acne cases in the past. However, mounting worry over the
development of bacterial resistance spurred the birth of new treatments.
Kim highlighted the popularity of incorporating anti-inflammatories into
therapies, such as an oral form of controlled-release low-dose doxycycline, to
reduce redness and swelling associated with acne. Furthermore, combination therapies, which may include
anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, are convenient for patients and
may decrease resistance, according to Kim.
Lasers and light-based technologies — including the pulsed-dye
laser, red and blue light and photodynamic therapy — offer effective
complementary treatments to traditional therapies. Kim said these should not be
first-line therapies for acne.
She also discussed fractional laser resurfacing to help eliminate
acne-related scars. This technology thermally damages the tiny columns of
scarred skin while the surrounding healthy skin remains intact. Although this
treatment can produce marked improvements in appearance, most patients will
only see mild results.
Pulsed-dye lasers and intense-pulsed light treatments helped reduce
redness and flushing for patients with rosacea, Kim said. Additionally, oral
medications and topical therapies such as metronidazole and azelaic acid have
shown good results.
Proper skin care is important for all patients, Kim emphasized. She
advised against harsh treatments or too many over-the-counter products.
Instead, she recommended mild cleansers and moisturizers that contain sunblock.
“The old adage ‘less is more’ applies to patients with
sensitive skin. The best advice is to discuss your skin care regimen with your
dermatologist, who can recommend products based on not only your specific skin
condition but your individual skin type, as well,” Kim said in a press
release.
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