Acne: Myths and New Guidelines

Adolescent concerns are the deepest scars; acne in adults can affect self-esteem and social relationships.
The members of the Italian Acne Board emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach: drug treatment in the acute phases and the use of dermocosmetics specific.
At the start the awareness campaign "The Month acne" toll 800.90.30.29 dermatologists' specialists available to the public to answer questions, curiosity, and uncertainty.

Only 20 Italians out of 100 say they suffer or have suffered from acne. This emerges from research sponsored by Galderma Eurisko and La Roche-Posay. Curiously, this figure contrasts clearly with the clinical experience so far: acne fact, according to dermatologists, affecting 80% of adolescents and young people aged between 11 and 30, but may also be present on adulthood.

"However, says Isabella Cecchini, Department of Health Research Eurisko, over half of the sample involved admits to having had at least one skin problem or skin imperfections (54%) as pimples localized (27%), dilated pores and Points blacks (23%) and shiny skin or fat (21%). And 'interesting to note that the Italian people do not recognize the term acne, but at the same time recognizes that you have or have had the typical manifestations of this disease. "

From the perspective of the psychological impact, there is a further peculiarity: for 33% of respondents this disease disturbs or has disturbed the daily life and relationships with others. But we think that for those who assumed the disease, the impact appears to be greater. Acne is not only a dermatological disease, but also and above all a major stressor, with strong repercussions on social life. We should not forget that the typical location of lesions on the face and long delays for treatment in patients can generate a deep sense of malaise and discomfort, sometimes leading to low self-esteem and shyness, with a reduced quality of life. Although these issues are most commonly involve serious forms of acne, the patient's perception of the seriousness of their disease seems to affect a greater extent than the actual severity of injuries.

Does not console those affected know that acne affects uniformly skins of each color. The Global Alliance for acne (Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne) international group of experts of the disease acne super combined their knowledge and efforts to get to lay down guidelines for the treatment of acne. On the basis of scientific evidence and experience of the specialists involved, the guidelines propose the most appropriate treatment options, specific and effective depending on the clinical case. "The findings, says Vincenzo Bettoli, head of the surgery at the Dermatology Clinic Acne, University of Ferrara, are summarized in a therapeutic algorithm in which every single variety of acne treatments are most appropriate. The guidelines highlight: 1) central role of topical retinoids in all forms except for severe cases of acne stage and in the prevention of recurrence after regression of the acute phase, 2) the utility of "combination therapy" with l ' contemporary use of more drugs (antibiotics, antiseptics and retinoid, etc ...) to hit as many as possible of the four triggers acne (high secretion of sebum, clogging the channel of the pilo-sebaceous follicle through which sebum flows to the skin, resulting in increase of Propionibacterium acnes and inflammation).

Following the example of the global alliance for acne, even in Italy was born a study group for this condition: the 'Italian Acne Board ", which in addition to the objectives of clinical research, has educational purposes and dissemination of knowledge for the best treatment of this disease, which for many years has been underestimated and neglected.

The Group for the Study Italian Dermatological Acne also works for broader and fair disclosure. "One aspect that should be emphasized, states Daniele Innocenzi, Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University" La Sapienza "of Rome, is the lack of information to patients about the true causes of acne and the correct treatment modality. Often the disease is attributed to an improper diet, poor hygiene and stress, resulting in inappropriate behavior, such as frequent cleaning of the affected areas, change in diet, increased water intake and use of cosmetics. "

Often accused unjustly, but cosmetics have been shown to play an important role, and experts confirm that drug prescriptions should not dispense with proper advice on products dermocosmetics better suited for cleaning, treatment and makeup. The advantage dermocosmetic complement to drug therapy is twofold: on the one hand, improves patient compliance in the acceptance of care, on the other side through these products, the skin regains its features of plasticity, elasticity and smoothness. Cosmetics can be stacked to treatment must be specific, moisturizing (but not fat), well tolerated and of course not comedogenic.

Obtain an improvement of psychological experience of patients towards their cosmetic defects implies a better integration in society. "For this reason, four years, said Ruggero Caputo, Director of the School of Specialization in Dermatology and Venereology of the University of Milan and Head of the OU of Dermatology, Maggiore Hospital of Milan, thanks to a partnership between the Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and La Roche-Posay, is on the Laboratory of Corrective Make-up at our institute. This laboratory is managed by highly qualified, a dermatologist, a psychologist and a professional makeup artist. The intent is to teach a mask, in the best way possible and as quickly as possible, skin diseases, whether congenital or seriously harming the image of the patient, such as birthmarks, scars, pigmentation defects, results of acne, atopic dermatitis. Since 2000 have been followed about 500 patients, mainly women (90%), mostly aged between 30-50 years. The defects which were cutaneous affections patients who came to the Laboratory were mostly due to vitiligo (97), scars (73), acne (60) and melasma (44). All patients were satisfied so far followed the techniques of make-acquired, and claimed to have learned to correct the flaws and to enhance the existing quality. This new approach to the health of patients, defined as improvement of physical and mental development of a greater integration into society, has received considerable feedback, not only by the sick, but also the media and public administration. Based on the success of our initiative, in fact, other dermatological clinic Italian (Rome, Naples and Catania), in collaboration with La Roche-Posay, decided to open the studio make-up correctly. "

And finally, what are the main sources of information for people suffering from acne? Clinical experience, as evidenced by Daniele Innocenzi, it shows a lack of information: "In most cases, magazines, television, parents, friends etc. are inadequate, they can only provide general information, and the dermatologist is usually seen late. Adequate information, a proper diagnostic approach and the choice of specific therapy for different forms of acne are fundamental to the resolution of the clinical picture for both psychological and physical well being of the patient, avoiding the appearance of "scars" psychological.