Truncal Acne in Adolescents and Young Adults: Self-reported Perception.

No epidemiological information about truncal acne is available. This study assessed the self-reported impact of truncal acne in adolescents and young adults, using an internet survey in France in 1,001 adolescents and young adults with truncal acne. Participants' mean age was 18.6 ± 4.3 years, 75.7% were females, 52.9% reported severe and 16.0% very severe truncal acne; 90.0% of participants with truncal acne also reported past or ongoing facial acne. Stress (46.3%), a diet high in lipids (33.2%), and sleeplessness (27.0%) were considered to be triggers of truncal acne; 44.7% consulted at least 1 healthcare professional and 28.1% searched the internet or social network for information about truncal acne. Of subjects with truncal acne, 68.4% thought constantly about their condition. Overall, 79.9% of the participants with severe acne vs 41.8% with mild or moderate acne: 41.8% thought about their acne all the time (p < 0.0001). Truncal acne heavily or very heavily impacted quality of life of 38.7% of participants. It impacted females significantly more than males (p < 0.0001). Significantly (p < 0.001) more females than males reported facial acne. A significant (p = 0.0067) association was observed between the severities of facial and truncal acne. The self-perceived impact of truncal acne in adolescents and young adults highlights the need for information as well as reinforced medical and psychological care.

Novel and emerging treatment options for acne vulgaris

The principal actors in acne are the sebaceous gland, keratinocytes of the follicle and skin microbiome/innate immunity. Current acne treatments are frequently accompanied by side effects or may cause antibacterial resistance. New formulations and emerging treatments with novel mechanisms of action and improved formulations have recently been made available or are currently under development. This review provides an update on the most recent advances in topical or systemic acne therapy related to recent data on the pathophysiology of acne. A review of the most recent literature about new and emerging acne treatments since 2016 listed in the PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov database was performed by a group of dermatologists interested in acne (GEA). Several novel treatments have been made available or are currently under development, including Clascosterone, Trifarotene and Sarecy-cline, as well as more effective and better tolerated formulations of existing compounds, such as Minocycline, Tretinoin, Tazarotene and Lidose-isotretinoin, and emerging acne therapies (including hyaluronic acid, cannabidiol, modulators of the skin microbiota, insulin-like growth factor, vaccines, bacteriophages, probiotics and antimicrobial peptides), targeting the sebaceous gland and its activity, inflammation or keratinocytes of the follicle and skin microbiome including Cutibacterium acnes. Recently, in addition to other fixed combinations, a fixed combination of adapalene and benzoyl peroxide that targets acne scars has been made available for the first time. The newly available products and other potentially emerging treatment options will increase the armamentarium of acne therapies and potentially reduce its prevalence worldwide.

Staphylococcus epidermidis: A Potential New Player in the Physiopathology of Acne?

BACKGROUND: Cutibacterium acnes has been identified as one of the main triggers of acne. However, increasing knowledge of the human skin microbiome raises questions about the role of other skin commensals, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, in the physiopathology of this skin disease. SUMMARY: This review provides an overview of current knowledge of the potential role of S. epidermidis in the physiopathology of acne. Recent research indicates that acne might be the result of an unbalanced equilibrium between C. acnes and S. epidermidis,according to dedicated interactions. Current treatments act on C. acnesonly. Other treatment options may be considered, such as probiotics derived from S. epidermidis to restore the naturally balanced microbiota or through targeting the regulation of the host's AMP mediators. Key Messages: Research seems to confirm the beneficial role of S. epidermidis in acne by limiting C. acnes over-colonisation and inflammation.

Acne Fulminans: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Acne fulminans (AF) is a rare manifestation and the most severe form of the entire clinical spectrum of acne. The disease is destructive and is characterized by the sudden onset of painful and ulcerative pustules and systemic symptoms including high fever, hepatomegaly, polyarthralgia, leukocytosis, plaquetose, and increased inflammatory markers and transaminases. Osteolytic lesions in multiple skeletal sites could also be associated. The use of isotretinoin is considered a related trigger, as well as the use and cessation of testosterone, although a bacterial infection, a drug-induced disease, or an intake of anabolic androgenic steroids has been suggested. The treatment of AF is challenging and controversial. The recommended treatment is aggressive and consists of a combination of oral steroids and low doses of isotretinoin, with no consensus at this time. The patient may require several weeks of hospitalization to control the eruption. The cutaneous lesions usually leave scars and milia. We report on two boys and two girls presenting with AF, triggered by isotretinoin in three patients and by an antibiotic in one patient. All the patients treated with corticosteroids and isotretinoin with success.

Acne as seen by adolescents: results of questionnaire study in 852 French individuals.

Acne can have an important psychological impact. We surveyed 852 adolescents aged 12-25 years about their knowledge of acne and its treatment in a non-medical context. The study involved a questionnaire administered to callers to a youth telephone helpline in France. Callers were categorized into those who currently had acne, those who had had acne previously, and those who had never had acne. Most respondents (66.2%) had experienced acne symptoms, which were mild in 50.2% of cases and severe in 16% of cases. Often, acne had been long-lasting (>12 months in 49.6% of cases). Many thought that gender, excess weight, eating dairy products, and physical activity did not influence acne, and that frequent washing could improve acne. Eating chocolate and snacks, smoking cigarettes, sweating, not washing, touching/squeezing spots, eating fatty foods, using make-up, pollution, and menstruation were thought to worsen acne. The majority (80.8%) did not believe acne to be a disease, but rather a normal phase of adolescence, yet 69.3% agreed it should be treated. There was a preference for topical vs. systemic treatment. Many (38.6%) of the respondents with acne had not consulted a physician. Almost two-thirds of respondents wanted more information about acne. Providing more information about acne might increase the likelihood of them consulting a physician and getting better treatment for the condition.

Mycobacterium abscessus skin infection after tattooing: first case report and review of the literature.

Mycobacterium abscessus is a species of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). This species can cause skin and soft tissue infections after trauma or surgical procedures, pulmonary infections and disseminated diseases in immunocompromised patients. It has been rarely documented after tattoo procedures. Herein we describe the case of a 51-year- old man who presented with erythematous papules over a tattoo on the back 10 days after a tattoo session. Culture revealed M. abscessus. Tattoo infections, clinical features and treatment options due to RGM are reviewed.

Factors influencing the clinical evaluation of facial acne.

Existing scoring systems for facial acne focus on the lesions themselves, but clinical decisions are based on a general assessment of severity, including the time since onset, the site(s) of involvement, the patient's history, and the response to prior treatments. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of some of these factors on the global assessment of acne severity. Involvement of the trunk, prior systemic treatment and a positive family history of acne increased the severity score. Inclusion of these factors could help to compose more homogeneous groups for clinical trials.

[Topical treatment of acne]. / Traitement topique de l'acné.

The topical treatment of acne has a great place in the therapeutic range of products which is available. It can be prescribed alone in moderate acne in most of cases, or in combination with an oral treatment in diffuse or severe acne. Last years formulations have improved with a better penetration and tolerance and therefore a better compliance and efficiency. Also, the association of 2 active molecules gives better efficiency and an easier following of the treatment. Topical treatment can be prescribed with a cosmetic cream specially adapted for greasy or acneic skin which can reduce irritation and give comfort.