Acne (overview) L70.0

Common, chronic inflammatory, polyetiological disease of the sebaceous follicles that occurs in a large proportion of the population in adolescence in western industrialized nations. A chronic, continuous or relapsing course is typical.

According to predominant efflorescences, 3 clinical types are distinguished, with transitional forms being more typical than rare:

• Acne comedonica
• Acne papulopustulosa
• Acneconglobata.

Special forms of acne vulgaris

• Acne inversa
• Acne excoriée des jeunes filles
• Acne fulminans
• Acne mechanica
• Acne medicamentosa (drug-induced acne)
• Chlorine acne
• Acne neonatorum (see Pityrosporum folliculitis of the infant)
• Acne infantum
• Acne tropicalis
• Acne venenata
• Majorca acne
• Acne tarda
• Occupational acne
• Oil acne
• Tar acne
• X-ray acne

Worldwide disease.

In Germany, 70-80% of all adolescents show signs of acne vulgaris of varying severity.

In the USA, 40-50 million people are affected annually. Affected are mainly male, less frequently female adolescents, and young adults aged 12-24 years.

In a British population study of women > 25 years, acne prevalence was 54%.

In a French study of women aged 24-40 years, the prevalence was 41%.

In a U.S. study, prevalence figures were 51% for women aged 30-39 years, 26% for women aged 30-39 years, and 15% for women aged 40-49 years.

Women are more commonly affected by late acne or acne tarda than men.

Acne arises from a complex interplay of various pathogenetic factors. As a result of the plug-like closure of the follicular excretory duct and simultaneous seborrhea, the sebum is backed up into the follicular gland unit = comedo(acne comedonica). Follicular pustules(acne papulopustulosa) develop due to purulent melting. In severe cases (acneconglobata), follicular ruptures due to comedone components lead to pronounced inflammatory processes deep into the dermis, with furunculoid, often confluent, painful abscesses(acne conglobata). The main clinical symptoms are seborrhea, comedones and papulo-pustules. Due to the chronicity of the disease, treatment is designed to last for months or years.

A polyetiological mechanism is postulated for the aetiopathogenesis of acne. The following factors play a role:

• Genetic factors
  • Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia; elevated levels of IGF-1 (see insulin-like growth factor) correlate with the total number of acne lesions.
  • Identical twins have a high concordance with regard to acne.
  • Relevant gene polymorphisms are found in genes coding for androgen receptors, for enzymes of androgen metabolism, for tumor necrosis factor-alpha and for insulin-like-growth-factor.
• Seborrhea (sebum is the "fuel of the acne flame"!)
  • Sebum is produced holocrinally from sebocytes; the main components are triglycerides, fatty acid esters and squalene. Androgens regulate sebum production. The adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) is the primary physiological control hormone. It is enzymatically converted in sebocytes to more potent androgens such as testosterone and dehydrotestosterone.
  • The ratio: saturated fatty acids/unsaturated fatty acids is increased
  • Composition of the sebum is altered
• Cornification disorders
  • In the infundibulum of the sebaceous follicle, there is a differentiation disorder of the keratinocytes with increased proliferation and increased adhesiveness to each other. Interleukin-1 plays an initiating role here. The resulting proliferation-retention hyperkeratosis leads to the formation of initially clinically invisible microcomedones; further comedone growth with dilatation of the follicular ostium leads to open comedones that are darkly colored by melanin. Free palmitic acid and oleic acid have a comedogenic effect and induce the follicular keratinization disorder.
• Bacterial colonization and biofilm formation by Propionibacterium acnes
  • Propionibacteria (Propionibacterium acnes, now called Cutibacterium acnes) produce a matrix of glycocalyx polymers that are thought to increase keratinocyte adhesiveness (Degitz K et al. 2017). Free oleic acid in acne sebum promotes hyperconolization of the site germ P. acnes. Furthermore, propionibacteria produce esterases that release irritant fatty acids from triglycerides.
• Insulin-like-growth-factor 1 (IGF-1)
  • Insulin-like-growth-factor 1 (IGF-1): IGF-1 is an important growth hormone in adolescence. The growth factor is elevated in acne patients. It induces sebocytic lipogenesis in lipocytes and has a costimulatory effect with androgens (Melnik BC 2015). IGF-1 and insulin inhibit the transcription factor FoxO1 in sebocytes while simultaneously increasing mTORC1 activity (Mirdamadi Y et al. 2015). Acne does not occur in cases of congenital IGF1 deficiency(Laron syndrome) or in people with dysfunctional androgen receptors.
• Insulin
  • Acne is combined with increased insulin resistance(dietary factors; muscle-building products (colec products, casein concentrates, which lead to bodybuilding acne). IGF-1 and insulin inhibit the transcription factor FoxO1 in sebocytes (Mirdamadi Y et al. 2015). Known insulin resistance in acne-associated syndromes such as PAPA syndrome, SAPHO syndrome.
• Body mass index: A high body mass index is a risk factor for the development of acne in adolescents (Sas K et al. 2019).
• FoxO1: The Fox O1 protein (see forkhead box genes below) is a central switch in insulin regulation and glucose metabolism. FoxO1 inhibits important transcription factors of lipid synthesis such as: PPARgamma, LXRalpha, SREBP1 and the kinase mTORC1. FoxO1 also inhibits the androgen receptor (AR).
• Inflammatory readiness with interactions between sebaceous glands and perifollicular connective tissue.
  • The significance of innate immunity for acne is focused on the activation of the inflammasome. P. acnis is ascribed an activating role through the secretion and activation of proinflammatory mediators (IL-1beta, NLPRP-3 inflammasome, activation of the caspase-1 pathway).
• Sebaceous gland hyperplasia (mostly androgen-stimulated)
  • In women, polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) must be taken into account!
• Psychological factors
• Smoking can promote acne.
• Diet - foods with a high glycemic index, dairy products. These lead to a diet-related increased hyperglycaemic load and induction of insulin and IGF-1. In combination with the already high IGF1 serum levels in adolescence, this constellation leads to a promotion of seborrhoea and follicular hyperkeratosis (Melnik BC 2015).
• Medication:
  • Anticontraceptives with a restandrogenic component (e.g. 19-nortestosterone derivatives)
  • DHEA-S
  • Anabolic steroids
  • Lithium
  • Vitamin B supplements (especially vitamin B12 - Kang D et al. 2015)
  • EGFR inhibitors: The use of EGFR inhibitors shows, depending on the duration of therapy, a follicular (acneiform) papulo-pustular exanthema in the area of the seborrhoeic zones within a period of 2 weeks. Comedones are typically absent. The severity of the exanthema is considered an indicator of the therapeutic response to EGFR inhibitors. It is assumed that EGF exerts a control function for the inflammatory processes of acne vulgaris (Aydingoz IE et al. 2021).

Acne fulminans refers to acne conglobata with a severe immunological systemic reaction (feeling of illness, fever, bone pain, vasculitis).

V.a. in adolescents and young adults; more pronounced in boys or men than in girls or women.

In Germany, 70-80% of all adolescents show signs of acne of varying severity.

In the USA, 40-50 million people are affected annually. Affected are mainly male, less frequently female adolescents, and young adults aged 12-24 years.

In a British population study of women > 25 years, acne prevalence was 54%.

In a French study of women aged 24-40 years, prevalence was 41%.

In a U.S. study, prevalence figures were 51% for women aged 30-39 years, 26% for women aged 30-39 years, and 15% for women aged 40-49 years.

Women are more likely to be affected by late acne or acne tarda than men.

Infestation of the so-called seborrheic zones. Here mainly face, shoulders and back, upper sternal area.

In severe and unclear cases of both sexes: BSG, CRP, BB, IgG, IgM, IgA, IgM, IgA, zinc, α-1-antitrypsin, TPHA.

If necessary, exclusion of HIV infection.

Women with signs of cycle disorders or androgenisation: total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, DHEAS, androstendione.

Optional: LH, FSH, blood sugar, insulin, DHT, cortisol, estradiol, TSH.

Follicular hyperkeratosis, enlarged sebaceous glands.

• medical history: time of onset, progression (spontaneous, insidious), family history, cosmetics, medications, previous treatment, allergies, endocrinological diseases
• If necessary, laboratory values (see laboratory below)
• Hair type, physique (androgenisation in women)
• Determination of severity based on primary and secondary fluorescence and the severity of the manifestation
• Antibiogram from smear of comedone content, pustules or papules
• Antibiogram from a smear taken from the nasal mucosa (colonisation with Gram-negative germs, staphylococci, dermatophytes, yeasts, moulds)
• Biopsy if necessary
• Counting of precursor efflorescences on the cyanoacrylate preparation
• If necessary: skin function tests (lipometry, TEWL)

• Childhood:
  • Pityrosporum folliculitis of the infant.
  • Acne infantum.
• Adulthood:
  • Acne inversa
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Acne triad
  • Acne tetrad
  • Folliculitis
  • Nevus comedonicus
  • Acne medicamentosa
  • syphilitic recurrent exanthema
  • Trichostasis spinulosa
  • Elastoidosis cutanea nodularis et cystica.

The therapy depends on the type of acne, the severity of the acne, the age of the patient and the skin type.

• A grading of the acne to assess the success of the therapy is useful before starting therapy: e.g. counting all acne lesions per half of the face or in a 20 x 20 cm field and classification according to open/closed, papules, papulopustules, nodules. See below acne comedonica, acne papulopustulosa.
• Cleaning: Purely mechanical with a microfiber glove, Claroderm and water without further additives.
• Regular, not too frequent washing with pH-neutral soaps is recommended, e.g. Sebopona, Cetaphil, Satina, Eubos, Stephalen wash gel, Sebamed liquid. Antiseptic or antibacterial cleansers are not indicated as they do not target Propionibacterium acnes or act deep within the follicle. Creams or emulsions of the O/W type are suitable for care, e.g. Toleriane, Physiane, Hydranorm, Avène Cleanance, Lutsine Kerafnia, Eucerin Rebalance, Eucerin Creme-Gel. Tinted acne therapies such as Aknichthol-Lotio are well suited as color-regulating topicals to cover the inflammatory redness.
• Avoid comedogenic topicals, especially cosmetics. If make-up is not avoided, make-up suitable for acne should be used, e.g. Unifiance from La Roche Posay or Lutsine make-up pencil, in each case after testing the color shade.
• Food should be chosen wisely to reduce the glycemic load (high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, pulses, vegetables >> fruit).

• In the treatment of acne scars, ablative, non-ablative lasers and radiofrequency microneedling have proven to be useful forms of therapy (Teymour et al. 2023)

The available acne therapeutics are used alone or in combination for the various forms of acne, depending on their optimal effect.

• Retinoids: Tretinoin and isotretinoin are the classic retinoids of the first and second generation respectively. Tretinoin is available in concentrations of 0.025 to 0.1% in the form of creams, solutions and gels (see below gels, hydrophilic, gels, hydrophobic), isotretinoin, previously available as a 0.05 to 0.1% gel or cream (e.g. Isotrex®), is currently no longer marketed, see table below. Gels and solutions should be preferred for seborrhoeic skin types, gels and creams for normal skin. Initially apply once a day, preferably in the evening, as slight reddening occurs, possibly also burning and itching. If well tolerated, this can be increased to 2 times/day. All other external acne treatments should be discontinued until the patient has become accustomed to the vitamin A acid. Avoid the corners of the mouth and eyelid region. In about 30% of patients, pustules appear after 2-4 weeks of treatment as a result of ruptures of the microcomedones. Despite this apparent blossoming of the acne, treatment should be continued. After about 4 weeks, "hardening" has taken place and the irritations recede. Direct sun exposure should be avoided as tretinoin and isotretinoin lower the erythema threshold and are not light-stable.
• A 4th generation retinoid has been available since the end of 2020: trifarotene, ^Selgamis®. This binds selectively to the retinoid receptor gamma and also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The large-area application (max. 2 g on face and trunk) also enables the treatment of acne on the trunk.
• Adapalene: (Differin® gel/cream, Dipalene® gel/cream) is a synthetic polyaromatic retinoid of the third generation. In addition to its comedolytic efficacy, it has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect than tretinoin and isotretinoin. It only needs to be applied once a day.
• Adapalene/ benzoyl peroxide (BPO) (e.g. Epiduo® Gel 0.1%/2.5%): The combination of retinoid and BPO is an approach that combines the advantages of both therapeutic modalities and does not involve the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Apply once a day, in the evening, as a thin film on the areas of skin affected by acne, after cleansing (e.g. Dermowas) and drying the skin.
• Tazarotene: Application (off-label use) of tazarotene (e.g. Zorac Gel 0.1%) overnight or 2 times/day for 5-10 minutes is comparable to the effectiveness of the above-mentioned retinoids according to studies.
• Remember! Topical retinoids are suitable for maintenance therapy as they have an anti-comedogenic effect and thus prevent the formation of new microcomedones. The success of therapy can generally only be assessed after 3 months: a reduction in the number of efflorescences (acne comedonica, acne papulopustulosa) of > 50% is considered a good response, a reduction of > 75% a very good response. Treatment should be continued as long as there are still signs of clinical activity.
• Azelaic acid: The substance has an antimicrobial effect in high concentrations, but the effect is not as pronounced as with benzoyl peroxide. Azelaic acid is used in a concentration of 20% (Skinoren). The onset of action is delayed compared to the other external acne therapeutics. Temporary irritation, scaling, burning and itching may occur in the first 2-4 weeks. As a rule, azelaic acid is often better tolerated than other external acne therapies, especially by sensitive skin (atopics). Azelaic acid can be administered during pregnancy. In addition to the cream form, a gel preparation is also available.
• Salicylic acid: Has a demonstrable comedolytic effect; the keratolytic activity is too weak in most concentrations used to be expected to have an effect on acne. Salicylic acid is used externally in different concentrations and combinations with other active agents. For preparations see Table 1.
• Benzoyl peroxide (BPO): Has a keratolytic and strong antimicrobial effect without the risk of developing resistance. Gram-positive germs, which are abundant in sebaceous glands, are rapidly destroyed. This applies in particular to Propionibacterium acnes. BPO is available in 1.5/3/5/10% concentrations in creams, emulsions, hydrogels and alcoholic gels, e.g. Akneroxid® Gel 5%-10%, Akneroxid L Suspension, Benzaknen® 5%-10%, Benzaknen® W Suspension, Sanoxit® 2.5-10%, Sanoxit® MT Suspension, Akneroxid® Gel 5%-10%. Emulsions are often better tolerated than gels. As a rule, the preparation is applied thinly once a day. After applying benzoyl peroxide, skin irritation may initially occur with drying of the skin, redness and scaling in the first few days to weeks. A habituation effect usually sets in within a few weeks. Special care should be taken when applying to atopic skin. Contact sensitization to BPO may occur in rare cases. Patients must be made aware of the fact that BPO discolors or bleaches hair, clothing, bed linen, towels, etc. Benzoyl peroxide can be used as a gel in 3.0, 5.0 or 10.0% concentration as a formulation (see benzoyl peroxide gel NRF 11.25. below). Benzoyl per oxide / clindamycin: Good clinical effects can be achieved with the BPO/CLN combination (DUAC® gel). This combination is superior to monotherapy with azelaic acid (Schaller 2016).
• Abrasives (peeling agents): Aluminum oxide (e.g. Brasivil) or polydimethyl silicone resin (e.g. Jaikin) have a slight peeling effect, but generally do not reach the comedones. Caution should be exercised in particular with simultaneous therapy with preparations such as vitamin A acid, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid.
• Peeling substances: α-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid and glycolic acid for the reduction of hyperkeratosis are repeatedly recommended, see also chemical peeling below.
• Fruit acids (α-hydroxy acids): α-hydroxy acids reduce corneocyte adhesion and thus keep the follicular ostia open, which leads to a reduction in the number of comedones. The indication is mainly given for follicular hyperkeratosis. Application: 1 time/day, 2 times/day if well tolerated. Subsequent chemical peeling with 70% glycolic acid and manual physical acne therapy bring faster success. α-Hydroxy acids can also be used with sun exposure. Effective after 6 weeks.
• Antibiotics: Three main groups of antibiotics are used in external acne therapy: tetracyclines, erythromycin (e.g. Aknemycin® ointment/solution, Eryaknen® 2-4% gel), clindamycin (e.g. Basocin® acne solution; Basocin® acne gel; DUAC® gel [combination with BPO]). Nadifloxacin (Nadixa® cream) has also been used for some time. However, the growth inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes with externally applied antibiotics is inferior to that of benzoyl peroxide. According to study results, clindamycin and erythromycin show the best results with inflammatory acne. Local side effects include redness, scaling and burning of the skin. Rarely, bloody diarrhea and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) can also occur after topical application of clindamycin. Topical antibiotics are generally used in combination with topical retinoids (Aknemycin® plus), salicylic acid, BPO or abrasives and should be limited in time due to the risk of resistance developing. Long-term use can lead to a selection of the germ spectrum in favor of gram-negative pathogens, in the sense of gram-negative folliculitis.
• Glucocorticoids: They can be used in ointment or cream form for a few days in the case of highly inflammatory acne. Intralesional application is possible for abscessing nodules.

UV phototherapy: The use of UVB rays or UVA and UVB rays leads to an improvement in symptoms. UV phototherapy is no longer up to date due to an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio.

Although photodynamic therapy is effective, it cannot be recommended as a routine procedure due to the not insignificant side effects (Degitz K et al. 2017).

Combined light therapy using an LED mask with blue and red light (wavelength 445 nm and 630 nm) shows a significant reduction in inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne efflorescences in studies (Nestor MS et al., 2016).

Systemic treatment is reserved for the severe form of acne vulgaris that is not optimally amenable to external therapy.

Antibiotics (tetracyclines and macrolide antibiotics [e.g. erythromycin, roxithromycin]) are the standard preparations. The antibiotic of first choice is minocycline (e.g. Skid, Aknosan, Klinomycin), followed by doxycycline (e.g. Doxakne).

• Tetracyclines: Minocycline is generally better tolerated than doxycycline, but considerably more expensive. The initial dosage of minocycline (Skid®) is 50 mg p.o. twice a day (with a meal), then reduced to a maintenance dose of 50 mg/day. Doxycycline (e.g. Doxyderma): 1 time/day 50 mg p.o. Tetracycline (Tefilin): 1500 mg/day, if necessary also higher doses, initially 3 times/day 500 mg (before meals, no milk) for 1-2 months. Attention should be paid to the phototoxic effect of this substance group, which is less pronounced with doxycycline than with tetracycline hydrochloride; minocycline is considered safer in this respect.

• Remember! Many tetracyclines have a phototoxic effect!

  Remember! No combination with systemic retinoids!

• Macrolide antibiotics: Erythromycin should be given in a dosage of 500-1000 mg/day; Roxithromycin in a dosage of 150-300 mg/day

  . The dangers of long-term systemic antibiotic treatment include the development of resistance, gram-negative folliculitis and recurrence of papulopustules!

Hormone therapy (only for women): Cooperation with gynecologists. Hormonal therapy for girls who are not yet sexually active should be started at the earliest two years after menarche. If there is a need for contraception and acne, however, the prescription of an anti-androgenic OH is the therapy of first choice.

• Oestrogens: Oestrogens inhibit sebum production. A few contraceptives contain 50 µg ethinylestradiol (= sufficient quantity to inhibit sebum production), but are rarely used in practice. Standard doses are 20-35 µg. Natural oestrogens (estradiol valerate, estradiol, estestrol) are also used.
• Antiandrogens: In acne patients, an accelerated androgen metabolism can be observed in the sebaceous glands with a consecutively increased mitosis rate in the sebocytes and stimulation of lipid synthesis. Cyproterone acetate (CPA) has a 100% anti-androgenic and progesterone effect. It inhibits all androgen-dependent organs and thus also the sebaceous glands. It is only indicated for women and is restricted to moderate and severe acne, hirsutism and androgenetic alopecia. A combination with ethinylestradiol is indicated due to the expected cycle disorders. Combination preparations are e.g. Diane 35, Juliette, Jennifer 35.
  Dienogest has 40% antiandrogenic efficacy (Valette, Maxim, Aristelle) and is approved for acne therapy in addition to contraception. Drospirenone has 30% antiandrogenic efficacy (Yasmin, Petibelle, Xellia) and also has an antimineral corticoid effect. Chlormadinone acetate has 20% antiandrogenic efficacy.
• In severe cases, COC therapy can be supplemented by the administration of 5-10 mg CPA (e.g. Androcur 10 mg) over 15 days (see Table 3).
• Caution! Thromboembolic complications occur particularly in smokers, overweight patients or patients with arteriosclerosis.
  Patients with livedo racemosa, Sneddon's syndrome are excluded from antiandrogen therapy. The prescription of antiandrogens belongs in the hands of the gynecologist. The indication is given by the dermatologist, dosage, implementation and control of the therapy are left to the gynecologist. The duration of therapy should be at least 1 year, possibly years, also in combination with isotretinoin. An improvement in acne is to be expected after 2-3 months of therapy at the earliest. Problems arise when hormone therapy is discontinued: rebound with eruption of papulopustules.

Isotretinoin (e.g. Acnenormin) is indicated according to the European Medicines Directive (EMA) for severe inflammatory forms of acne vulgaris with the risk of permanent scarring. The prescription for acne conglobata or nodular acne is undisputed.

• Please note! When prescribing isotretinoin to women of childbearing age, a pregnancy test must be carried out before starting therapy and safe contraception must be used one month before starting therapy, throughout the course of therapy and one month after the end of therapy (some authors recommend up to 3 months).
• Caution! Teratogenicity: Not approved for women of childbearing age. The civil and possibly also criminal responsibility therefore lies explicitly with the treating physician!
• Recurrences: As a rule, adequate therapy with isotretinoin leads to long-lasting remissions (weeks to years). After discontinuation of isotretinoin, a relapse may occur. This is usually milder than the original acne. The recurrence rate is inversely proportional to the therapeutic dose administered. With a cumulative dose < 120 mg/kg bw, a recurrence is much more likely than with a total dose > 120 mg/kg bw, which is why this dose should be reached if possible. In the event of recurrence, repeat therapy may be necessary in some cases.
• Care measures: To alleviate the unpleasant side effects of dry lips, local moisturizing lip care products, e.g. Rolip Emulsion, Rolip Mandelic, Labello or similar can be used.
• Combinations with hormones: In the case of severe inflammatory acne conglobata or acne fulminans, combination therapies with hormones (antiandrogens, anticontraceptives, glucocorticoids) are possible. In particular, a time-limited use of glucocorticoids can, in individual cases, bring about a significant reduction in the inflammatory reaction in severely inflammatory acne.

IL-17A antibody: Therapeutic approaches for severe acne vulgaris with a monoclonal antibody directed against the interleukin IL-17A have not proved successful (Thiboutot M et al. 2023).

Acne usually starts around the age of 12. However, clinical symptoms may occur in some patients as early as the 7th to 9th year of life. In most cases it ends spontaneously, at the end of the growth phase, between the ages of 17 and 25. In some patients, however, the acne continues into the fourth and fifth decade (persistent acne) or does not begin until older age (acne tarda).

see also under phytotherapy

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=82), the daily intake of lactoferrin (250mg/day p.o.) in combination with vitamin E and zinc proved to be successful for mild to moderate acne vulgaris (Chan H et al. 2017).

Restoration of the microbiome (totality of all microorganisms and their genes), whereby a connection between the gut and skin microbiome, the so-called gut-skin axis, is known. A disruption of this microbiome, a dysbiosis, has been described in acne patients. Probiotics also have an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of C. acnis.

Order therapy: Avoidance of triggering causes, see also under diet/lifestyle, reduction of psychological stress, avoidance of manipulation of the acne lesions

Hydrotherapy: Moist compresses with astringent, drying plants such as oak bark, black tea

Peloid therapy: masks with healing earth for pustules and papules

Phytotherapy, see below

Keratolytic/comedolytic topicals in acne therapy

Locally acting antibiotics

Hormone therapy for severe acne in women

Acne therapeutics according to efficacy

Scientifically, a triggering of acne vulgaris by food was not proven for a long time. In the meantime, there is a solid evidence on the pathophysiological connection between acne and nutrition, in particular the western dietary style. However, insulin, IGF-1 (see insulin-like growth factor), hyperglycemic diet, highly processed cereal products, polyunsaturated fats and milk play a role in the pathogenesis of acne. High dairy consumption leads to a significant increase in insulin and IgF-1, comparable to a high glycemic index diet. This leads to a stimulation of anabolic signaling pathways with increased lipid synthesis, increased proliferation activity of the follicular epithelium and thus triggering of the acne florescences (see table). Lifestyle habits, lack of sleep, stress, environmental factors like air pollution, climate and solar radiation also play an important role.

Meals should be interspersed with breaks of several hours to reduce insulin and IGF 1 (insulin-like growth factor) levels.

Phytopharmaceuticals are only sufficiently effective for mild to moderate acne.

The only indication for acne is mahonia bark in a 10 % ointment preparation.

Furthermore, topical preparations with extracts of Mediterranean myrtle (Myrtacin®) have proven to be effective. Myrtacin destroys the biofilm of Propionibacterium acnes. Myrtle-saw palmetto extracts: clinical studies have demonstrated an antimicrobial and anti-acne effect through a combination of nicotinamide, saw palmetto and myrtle extracts (active ingredient is myrtacin). This naturopathic combination inhibits the formation of a biofilm by propionibacteria (Keracnyl®). It can be used as a first-line therapy for minimal to moderate inflammatory acne.

Furthermore, tanning drugs and anti-inflammatory plant ingredients (as aqueous compresses) can help to alleviate the pustular form of acne. These include:

• Hamamelis
• moist compresses with black tea
• Tea tree oil - caution: incorrectly stored tea tree oil - allergic skin reactions! increased peroxide formation with irritation!
• camomile
• sage
• Peloids: Alternatively or in addition, masks with healing clay can significantly reduce pustules and papules. A moisturizing cream should be applied after the healing clay mask.

for mild acne pustulosa external: Echinacea purpura radix

see also under Arctii radix

The capsule material of Isotretinoin contains peanut ingredients! This drug is contraindicated in peanut allergies. Alternatively, a "low dose" dosage (the peanut-free) of acitretin (0.3 mg/kg bw) can be used.

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