Dermatológia pre prax 3/2016

Maintenance therapy of acne

Acne is a polymorphic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous glands. Manifestation of acne mostly repeats for years, that is why it is considered a chronic disease. These days’strategy of its treatment includes an active phase followed by a maintenance one. Maintenance therapy is defined as a regular use of appropriate therapeutic agents to ensure that acne remains in remission. Maintenance therapy is, simply speaking, treatment of the microcomedo. The mainstay of therapy represents topical agents with a comedolytic activity, especially retinoids. As an alternative azelaic acid can be used. Benzoyl peroxide is suitable in combination with retinoids especially if inflammatory lesions are present. It is also necessary to provide additive treatment including first of all suitable dermocosmetics and a healthy lifestyle without smoking.

Keywords: acne, maintenance therapy, microcomedo, retinoids,azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide