Topical treatment of acne

Acne vulgaris is a common disease of adolescence that occurs in approximately 80% of the population aged 11-30 years. The disease greatly reduces well-being and self-esteem. In the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris many factors take part: genetic, hormonal, sebaceous gland hyperplasia with seborrhoea, changes in the composition of sebum, comedones formation, Propionibacterium acnes colonization and inflammation. In most cases, the disease does not require systemic treatment, and the available causal therapy and topical acne skin care are sufficient to improve skin condition. In acne vulgaris, local systematic treatment adjusted to the form of the disease, as monotherapy or combination therapy, is required. Keratolytic and anti-comedone drugs are salicylic acid, retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. Some antibiotics, such as clindamycin, erythromycin and erythromycini cyclocarbonas, as well as benzoyl peroxide, have anti-bacterial properties. Antibiotics such as macrolides and tetracyclines, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, azelaic acid, and vitamin B3 have anti-inflammatory properties. Only azelaic acid has a weak anti-seborrhoeic effect. 17β-oestradiol and zinc ions have the action of anti-androgens by competitive action on the receptors. The only substances that theoretically affect all elements of the aetiopathogenesis are triethyl citrate, linolan acetate and azelaic acid. The article describes the mechanisms of action of topical preparations and the main indications for their use according to the form of the acne.