What is acne?

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Last updated: May 14, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

It appears that "acune" is not a recognized medical term, but if you are referring to acne, the management of acne vulgaris should be guided by the most recent guidelines from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1. Given the potential impact of acne on quality of life, emotional functioning, and social relationships, as highlighted in a 2024 study 1, it is essential to approach acne management with a comprehensive understanding of its pathogenesis and risk factors. Some key points to consider in the management of acne include:

  • The multifactorial pathogenesis of acne, involving follicular hyperkeratinization, microbial colonization, sebum production, and complex inflammatory mechanisms 1
  • The importance of considering risk factors such as increasing age during adolescence, family history of acne, and oily skin type 1
  • The significant burden of acne on individuals, including its impact on health-related quality of life, which is comparable to that of chronic conditions like asthma, psoriasis, and arthritis 1 Without more specific information about the condition or context you are referring to, it is challenging to provide detailed recommendations or treatment regimens. However, for acne management, following the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris, as outlined in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1, is crucial to ensure the best possible outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

From the FDA Drug Label

Purpose Acne treatment Use For the treatment of acne The answer to acune is acne, as it seems to be a typo.

  • The drug labels for adapalene (TOP) mention acne as the purpose or use of the treatment 2 2.
  • Acne is the condition being treated by adapalene (TOP).

From the Research

Acne Treatment Options

  • Topical retinoids are effective in managing acne, acting against comedones and microcomedones, and having direct anti-inflammatory effects 3
  • Adapalene, a naphthoic acid derivative with retinoid-like activity, is used for the topical treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity 4

Comparison of Topical Retinoids

  • Tazarotene 0.1% is more effective than tretinoin 0.025% or 0.1% microsphere gel or adapalene 0.1% gel or cream 3
  • Adapalene 0.1% is equally effective to tretinoin 0.025% or tretinoin microsphere 0.1% gel or tretinoin 0.05% cream or isotretinoin 0.05% gel 3
  • Adapalene 0.1% gel is significantly better tolerated than tazarotene 0.1% gel, tretinoin 0.025% and tretinoin 0.05% gel, tretinoin 0.05% cream, tretinoin microsphere 0.1% gel or isotretinoin 0.05% gel 3

Combination Therapies

  • The combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide is a safe and effective treatment for acne vulgaris, with reported efficacy ranging from 27.5% to 70.2% reduction in acne lesions 5
  • Network meta-analysis suggests that the combination of benzoyl peroxide with adapalene may be the most effective treatment for acne, but with a slightly higher incidence of withdrawal than monotherapy 6

Safety and Efficacy

  • Topical retinoids have a safety profile that differs from their systemic counterparts, with local adverse effects such as erythema, dryness, itching, and stinging being the most common 3
  • Adapalene 0.1% gel was associated with fewer reports of cutaneous irritation and fewer treatment-related adverse events compared to switch therapy with tazarotene 0.1% cream 7

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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