MD Dermatology

Acne vulgaris, or more commonly termed ‘pimples’, is probably the most common skin disorder occurring in mankind. It is a chronic self-limited condition but the sequelae can be lifelong, causing scar formation with profound psychological and emotional impact. The prevalence of acne among various countries differs. A recent large study in China showed the prevalence of between 10.5% to 36% among children more than 10 years old to those above 25 years old. There is no population based study done in Malaysia, but there was a study done among adolescent (13-18 years old) in two small district secondary schools showed the prevalence of 67.5%. The causes of acne are multi-factorial. Four mechanisms causing acne are identified, mainly increased sebum production, the formation of comedones (white and black heads), proliferation of the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and inflammation of the hair follicles. Most patients with acne had gradual onset of lesions around puberty

Acne Medication Unconnected to Inflammatory Bowel Disease A new study of isotretinoin (originally marketed as Accutane [Roche]), used in the treatment of severe, recalcitrant acne, found no increased risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with the use of the vitamin A derivative, according to a study published in the February 20 issue of JAMA Dermatology . The drug, which is the only US Food and Drug Administration–approved medication for severe acne, is the target of thousands of lawsuits, including one in which a jury awarded $25 million to a patient who claimed isotretinoin caused his IBD, according to a 2011 article in Lawyers USA . Mahyar Etminan, PharmD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and colleagues compared 2159 women taking combined oral contraceptives who were diagnosed with IBD with 43,180 women matched by age and index date. Information about the women (age, 18 - 46 years)