European evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of acne

Acne is the commonest inflammatory skin problem seen world-wide frequently affecting teenagers at a time of maturation and transition in their lives. It is a very visible condition and can result in significant and permanent scarring as well as pigment change. As such acne can cause significant physical and psychological burden.

Recent years have seen acne presenting earlier and lasting longer particularly in adult females. Evidence based guidelines based on robust clinical trials are regularly developed with the aim of improving outcomes for patients and ensuring early effective therapies can avoid some of the disfiguring sequelae such as scarring and pigment and the psychological aspects caused by acne.

The use of antibiotics for acne has become a concern and evidence-based guidance has also addressed the optimum use of and treatments to minimise the chance of antimicrobial resistance I.e. resistance to antibiotics emerging.

Guidelines also identify gaps in research and unmet needs for treatments.

Industry application

The research is relevant to the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, particularly those involved in the development and application of acne treatments.

Nast, A., Dréno, B., Bettoli, V., Bukvic Mokos, Z., Degitz, K., Dressler, C., Finlay, A.Y., Haedersdal, M., Lambert, J., Layton, A., Lomholt, H.B., López-Estebaranz, J.L., Ochsendorf, F., Oprica, C., Rosumeck, S., Simonart, T., Werner, R.N. and Gollnick, H. (2016), European evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of acne – update 2016 – short version. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 30: 1261-1268. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.13776 2009; JEADV, 2012; updated 2016).