Acne vulgaris

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Acne vulgaris: management. Dec 2023 [internet publication].Full text

European Dermatology Forum. EDF guidelines and consensus statements​. 2016 [internet publication].Full text

Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 May;74(5):945-73;e33.Full text  Abstract

Gollnick H, Cunliffe W, Berson D, et al. Management of acne: a report from a global alliance to improve outcomes in acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Jul;49(1 suppl):S1-37. Abstract

1. Karimkhani C, Dellavalle RP, Coffeng LE, et al. Global skin disease morbidity and mortality: an update from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. JAMA Dermatol. 2017 May 1;153(5):406-12. Abstract

2. Samuels DV, Rosenthal R, Lin R, et al. Acne vulgaris and risk of depression and anxiety: a meta-analytic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Aug;83(2):532-41. Abstract

3. Layton AM, Eady EA, Thiboutot DM, et al. Identifying what to measure in acne clinical trials: first steps towards development of a core outcome set. J Invest Dermatol. 2017 Aug;137(8):1784-6.Full text

4. Thiboutot DM, Layton AM, Chren MM, et al. Assessing effectiveness in acne clinical trials: steps towards a core outcome measure set. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Oct;181(4):700-6. Abstract

5. White GM. Recent findings in the epidemiologic evidence, classification, and subtypes of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 Aug;39(2 Pt 3):S34-7. Abstract

6. US Food and Drug Administration. Acne vulgaris: establishing effectiveness of drugs intended for treatment. May 2018 [internet publication].Full text

7. Burke BM, Cunliffe WJ. The assessment of acne vulgaris - the Leeds technique. Br J Dermatol. 1984 Jul;111(1):83-92. Abstract

8. Screening and management of the hyperandrogenic adolescent: ACOG committee opinion, number 789. Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Oct;134(4):e106-14.Full text  Abstract

9. Jansen T, Plewig G. Acne fulminans. Int J Dermatol. 1998 Apr;37(4):254-7. Abstract

10. Mills OH, Kligman A. Acne mechanica. Arch Dermatol. 1975 Apr;111(4):481-3. Abstract

11. Vos T, Flaxman AD, Naghavi M, et al. Years lived with disability (YLDs) for 1160 sequelae of 289 diseases and injuries 1990-2010: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. Lancet. 2012 Dec 15;380(9859):2163-96. Abstract

12. Hay RJ, Johns NE, Williams HC, et al. The global burden of skin disease in 2010: an analysis of the prevalence and impact of skin conditions. J Invest Dermatol. 2014 Jun;134(6):1527-34.Full text  Abstract

13. Chen H, Zhang TC, Yin XL, et al. Magnitude and temporal trend of acne vulgaris burden in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: an analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Br J Dermatol. 2022 Apr;186(4):673-83. Abstract

14. Cordain L, Lindeberg S, Hurtado M, et al. Acne vulgaris: a disease of western civilization. Arch Dermatol. 2002 Dec;138(12):1584-90. Abstract

15. Yentzer BA, Hick J, Reese EL, et al. Acne vulgaris in the United States: a descriptive epidemiology. Cutis. 2010 Aug;86(2):94-9. Abstract

16. Wilkins JW, Voorhees JJ. Prevalence of nodulocystic acne in white and Negro males. Arch Dermatol. 1970 Dec;102(6):631-4. Abstract

17. Tan JK, Bhate K. A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne. Br J Dermatol. 2015 Jul;172(1):3-12. Abstract

18. Gollnick HP, Zouboulis CC, Akamatsu H. Pathogenesis and pathogenesis related treatment of acne. J Dermatol. 1991 Sep;18(9):489-99. Abstract

19. Cunliffe WJ, Holland DB, Clark SM, et al. Comedogenesis: some new aetiological, clinical, and therapeutic strategies. Dermatology. 2003;206(1):11-6. Abstract

20. Corvec S, Dagnelie MA, Khammari A, et al. Taxonomy and phylogeny of cutibacterium (formerly propionibacterium) acnes in inflammatory skin diseases. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Jan;146(1):26-30. Abstract

21. Leyden JJ, McGinley KJ, Mills OH, et al. Propionibacterium levels in patients with and without acne vulgaris. J Invest Dermatol. 1975 Oct;65(4):382-4. Abstract

22. Zaenglein AL. Acne vulgaris. N Engl J Med. 2018 Oct 4;379(14):1343-52.

23. Walton S, Wyatt EH, Cunliffe WJ. Genetic control of sebum excretion in acne - a twin study. Br J Dermatol. 1988 Mar;118(3):393-6. Abstract

24. Bataille V, Snieder H, MacGregor AJ, et al. The influence of genetics and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of acne: a twin study of acne in women. J Invest Dermatol. 2002 Dec;119(6):1317-22. Abstract

25. Common JEA, Barker JN, van Steensel MAM. What does acne genetics teach us about disease pathogenesis? Br J Dermatol. 2019 Oct;181(4):665-676.Full text  Abstract

26. Petridis C, Navarini AA, Dand N, et al. Genome-wide meta-analysis implicates mediators of hair follicle development and morphogenesis in risk for severe acne. Nat Commun. 2018 Dec 12;9(1):5075.Full text  Abstract

27. Navarini AA, Simpson MA, Weale M, et al. Genome-wide association study identifies three novel susceptibility loci for severe Acne vulgaris. Nat Commun. 2014 Jun 13;5:4020.Full text  Abstract

28. Knutson DD. Ultrastructural observations in acne vulgaris: the normal sebaceous follicle and acne lesions. J Invest Dermatol. 1974 Mar;62:288-307. Abstract

29. Scott DG, Cunliffe WJ, Gowland G. Activation of complement - a mechanism for the inflammation in acne. Br J Dermatol. 1979 Sep;101(3):315-20. Abstract

30. Eichenfield DZ, Sprague J, Eichenfield LF. Management of acne vulgaris: a review. JAMA. 2021 Nov 23;326(20):2055-67. Abstract

31. Radi R, Gold S, Acosta JP, et al. Treating acne in transgender persons receiving testosterone: a practical guide. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2022 Mar;23(2):219-29.Full text  Abstract

32. Dai R, Hua W, Chen W, et al. The effect of milk consumption on acne: a meta-analysis of observational studies. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Dec;32(12):2244-53. Abstract

33. Aghasi M, Golzarand M, Shab-Bidar S, et al. Dairy intake and acne development: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Clin Nutr. 2019 Jun;38(3):1067-75. Abstract

34. Penso L, Touvier M, Deschasaux M, et al. Association between adult acne and dietary behaviors: findings from the NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort study. JAMA Dermatol. 2020 Aug 1;156(8):854-62.Full text  Abstract

35. Kwon HH, Yoon JY, Hong JS, et al. Clinical and histological effect of a low glycaemic load diet in treatment of acne vulgaris in Korean patients: a randomized, controlled trial. Acta Derm Venereol. 2012 May;92(3):241-6.Full text  Abstract

36. Smith R, Mann N, Mäkeläinen H, et al. A pilot study to determine the short-term effects of a low glycemic load diet on hormonal markers of acne: a nonrandomized, parallel, controlled feeding trial. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2008 Jun;52(6):718-26. Abstract

37. Smith RN, Braue A, Varigos GA, et al. The effect of a low glycemic load diet on acne vulgaris and the fatty acid composition of skin surface triglycerides. J Dermatol Sci. 2008 Apr;50(1):41-52. Abstract

38. Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, et al. Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults. Nutrients. 2018 Aug 9;10(8):1049.Full text  Abstract

39. Strauss JS, Pochi PE. Effect of cyclic progestin-estrogen therapy on sebum and acne in women. JAMA. 1964 Nov 30;190(9):815-9. Abstract

40. Yang CS, Teeple M, Muglia J, et al. Inflammatory and glandular skin disease in pregnancy. Clin Dermatol. 2016 May-Jun;34(3):335-43. Abstract

41. Aizawa H, Niimura M. Elevated serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in women with postadolescent acne. J Dermatol. 1995 Apr;22(4):249-52. Abstract

42. Yamamoto O, Tokura Y. Photocontact dermatitis and chloracne: two major occupational and environmental skin diseases induced by different actions of halogenated chemicals. J Dermatol Sci. 2003 Aug;32(2):85-94. Abstract

43. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Acne vulgaris: management. Dec 2023 [internet publication].Full text

44. European Dermatology Forum. EDF guidelines and consensus statements​. 2016 [internet publication].Full text

45. American Academy of Dermatology. Ten things physicians and patients should question. Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation. 2021 [internet publication].Full text

46. Reynolds RV, Yeung H, Cheng CE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024 May;90(5):1006.Full text  Abstract

47. Maranda EL, Simmons BJ, Nguyen AH, et al. Treatment of acne keloidalis nuchae: a systematic review of the literature. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2016 Sep;6(3):363-78.Full text  Abstract

48. Khumalo NP, Jessop S, Ehrlich R. Prevalence of cutaneous adverse effects of hairdressing. Arch Dermatol. 2006 Mar;142(3):377-83. Abstract

49. Rosas Vazquez E, Campos Macias P, Ochoa Tirado JG, et al. Chloracne in the 1990s. Int J Dermatol. 1996 Sep;35(9):643-5. Abstract

50. Lewis KG, Bercovitch L, Dill SW, et al. Acquired disorders of elastic tissue: Part I. increased elastic tissue and solar elasotic syndromes. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Jul;51(1):1-21;quiz 22-4. Abstract

51. Sehgal VN, Srivastava G, Aggarwal AK, et al. Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei part II: an overview. Skinmed. 2005 Jul-Aug;4(4):234-8. Abstract

52. Hengge UR, Ruzicka T, Schwartz RA, et al. Adverse effects of topical glucocorticosteroids. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006 Jan;54(1):1-15;quiz 16-8. Abstract

53. Plewig G, Jansen T, Kligman AM. Pyoderma faciale. A review and report of 20 additional cases: is it rosacea? Arch Dermatol. 1992 Dec;128(12):1611-7. Abstract

54. Schwartz RA, Fernandez G, Kotulska K, et al. Tuberous sclerosis complex: advances in diagnosis, genetics, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Aug;57(2):189-202. Abstract

55. Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 May;74(5):945-73;e33.Full text  Abstract

56. Kawashima M, Harada S, Loesche C, et al. Adapalene gel 0.1% is effective and safe for Japanese patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized, multicenter, investigator-blinded, controlled study. J Dermatol Sci. 2008 Mar;49(3):241-8. Abstract

57. Tan J, Thiboutot D, Popp G, et al. Randomized phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Jun;80(6):1691-9.Full text  Abstract

58. Bell KA, Brumfiel CM, Haidari W, et al. Trifarotene for the treatment of facial and truncal acne. Ann Pharmacother. 2021 Jan;55(1):111-6.Full text  Abstract

59. Thiboutot DM, Dréno B, Abanmi A, et al. Practical management of acne for clinicians: an international consensus from the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Feb;78(2 suppl 1):S1-23;e1. Abstract

60. Yang Z, Zhang Y, Lazic Mosler E, et al. Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Mar 16;3:CD011154.Full text  Abstract

61. Shalita AR. Treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris with salicylic acid in an alcohol-detergent vehicle. Cutis. 1981 Nov;28(5):556-8;561. Abstract

62. Liu H, Yu H, Xia J, et al. Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 May 1;5:CD011368.Full text  Abstract

63. Seidler EM, Kimball AB. Meta-analysis comparing efficacy of benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin in acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Jul;63(1):52-62. Abstract

64. Gold LS, Dhawan S, Weiss J, et al. A novel topical minocycline foam for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris: results of 2 randomized, double-blind, phase 3 studies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Jan;80(1):168-77. Abstract

65. Raoof TJ, Hooper D, Moore A, et al. Efficacy and safety of a novel topical minocycline foam for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris: a phase 3 study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Apr;82(4):832-7.Full text  Abstract

66. Kolli SS, Pecone D, Pona A, et al. Topical retinoids in acne vulgaris: a systematic review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019 Jun;20(3):345-65. Abstract

67. Graupe K, Cunliffe W, Gollnick H, et al. Efficacy and safety of topical azelaic acid (20% cream): an overview of results from European clinical trials and experimental reports. Cutis. 1996 Jan;57(1 suppl):20-35. Abstract

68. Harper JC, Baldwin H, Stein Gold L, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a novel tretinoin 0.05% lotion for the once-daily treatment of moderate or severe acne vulgaris in adult females. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Nov 1;18(11):1147-54. Abstract

69. Barbieri JS. Temporal trends in the use of systemic medications for acne from 2017 to 2020. JAMA Dermatol. 2023 Oct 1;159(10):1135-6.

70. Walsh TR, Efthimiou J, Dreno B. Systematic review of antibiotic resistance in acne: an increasing topical and oral threat. Lancet Infect Dis. 2016 Mar;16(3):e23-33. Abstract

71. Ochsendorf F. Systemic antibiotic therapy of acne vulgaris [in German]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010 Mar;8(suppl 1):S31-46. Abstract

72. Costa CS, Bagatin E, Martimbianco ALC, et al. Oral isotretinoin for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Nov 24;11:CD009435.Full text  Abstract

73. Huang CY, Chang IJ, Bolick N, et al. Comparative efficacy of pharmacological treatments for acne vulgaris: a network meta-analysis of 221 randomized controlled trials. Ann Fam Med. 2023 Jul-Aug;21(4):358-69.Full text  Abstract

74. Gollnick H, Cunliffe W, Berson D, et al. Management of acne: a report from a global alliance to improve outcomes in acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Jul;49(1 suppl):S1-37. Abstract

75. Goldsmith LA, Bolognia JL, Callen JP, et al; American Academy of Dermatology. American Academy of Dermatology Consensus Conference on the safe and optimal use of isotretinoin: summary and recommendations. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Jun;50(6):900-6. Abstract

76. Goodfield MJ, Cox NH, Bowser A, et al. Advice on the safe introduction and continued use of isotretinoin in acne in the U.K. 2010. Br J Dermatol. 2010 Jun;162(6):1172-9.Full text  Abstract

77. Huang YC, Cheng, YC. Isotretinoin treatment for acne and risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Jun;76(6):1068-76;e9. Abstract

78. Li C, Chen J, Wang W, et al. Use of isotretinoin and risk of depression in patients with acne: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2019 Jan 21;9(1):e021549.Full text  Abstract

79. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): introduction of new safety measures, including additional oversight of the initiation of treatment for patients under 18 years of age​. Oct 2023 [internet publication].Full text

80. Arowojolu AO, Gallo MF, Lopez LM, et al. Combined oral contraceptive pills for treatment of acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Jul 11;(7):CD004425.Full text  Abstract

81. Fraison E, Kostova E, Moran LJ, et al. Metformin versus the combined oral contraceptive pill for hirsutism, acne, and menstrual pattern in polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Aug 13;8:CD005552.Full text  Abstract

82. Zouboulis CC, Rabe T. Hormonal antiandrogens in acne treatment [in German]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010 Mar;8(suppl 1):S60-74. Abstract

83. Barbieri JS, Choi JK, Mitra N, et al. Frequency of treatment switching for spironolactone compared to oral tetracycline-class antibiotics for women with acne: a retrospective cohort study 2010-2016. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018 Jun 1;17(6):632-8. Abstract

84. Santer M, Lawrence M, Renz S, et al. Effectiveness of spironolactone for women with acne vulgaris (SAFA) in England and Wales: pragmatic, multicentre, phase 3, double blind, randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2023 May 16;381:e074349.Full text  Abstract

85. Fan H, Gilbert R, O'Callaghan F, et al. Associations between macrolide antibiotics prescribing during pregnancy and adverse child outcomes in the UK: population based cohort study. BMJ. 2020 Feb 19;368:m331.Full text  Abstract

86. Cunliffe WJ, Poncet M, Loesche C, et al. A comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of adapalene 0.1% gel versus tretinoin 0.025% gel in patients with acne vulgaris: a meta-analysis of five randomized trials. Br J Dermatol. 1998 Oct;139 Suppl 52:48-56. Abstract

87. Thiboutot DM, Weiss J, Bucko A, et al; Adapalene-BPO Study Group. Adapalene-benzoyl peroxide, a fixed-dose combination for the treatment of acne vulgaris: results of a multicenter, randomized double-blind, controlled study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Nov;57(5):791-9. Abstract

88. Gollnick HP, Draelos Z, Glenn MJ. Adapalene-benzoyl peroxide, a unique fixed-dose combination topical gel for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a transatlantic, randomized, double-blind, controlled study in 1670 patients. Br J Dermatol. 2009 Nov;161(5):1180-9. Abstract

89. Poulin YS, Sanchez NP, Bucko A, et al. A 6-month maintenance therapy with adapalene-benzoyl peroxide gel prevents relapse and continuously improves efficacy among patients with severe acne vulgaris: results of a randomized controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. 2011 Jun;164(6):1376-82. Abstract

90. Friedman A, Waite K, Brandt S, et al. Accelerated onset of action and increased tolerability in treating acne with a fixed-dose combination gel. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Feb;15(2):231-6. Abstract

91. Zouboulis CC, Piquero-Martin J. Update and future of systemic acne treatment. Dermatology. 2003;206(1):37-53. Abstract

92. Simonart T, Dramaix M, De Maertelaer V. Efficacy of tetracyclines in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a review. Br J Dermatol. 2008 Feb;158(2):208-16. Abstract

93. Bellomo R, Brunner M, Tadjally E. New formulations of isotretinoin for acne treatment: expanded options and clinical implications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 Dec;14(12 suppl 1):S18-23.Full text  Abstract

94. Muhlemann MF, Carter GD, Cream JJ, et al. Oral spironolactone: an effective treatment for acne vulgaris in women. Br J Dermatol. 1986 Aug;115(2):227-32. Abstract

95. Hebert A, Thiboutot D, Stein Gold L, et al. Efficacy and safety of topical clascoterone cream, 1%, for treatment in patients with facial acne: two phase 3 randomized clinical trials. JAMA Dermatol. 2020 Jun 1;156(6):621-30.Full text  Abstract

96. Barbaric J, Abbott R, Posadzki P, et al. Light therapies for acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Sep 27;9(9):CD007917.Full text  Abstract

97. Boen M, Brownell J, Patel P, et al. The role of photodynamic therapy in acne: an evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jun;18(3):311-21. Abstract

98. Ong MW, Bashir SJ. Fractional laser resurfacing for acne scars: a review. Br J Dermatol. 2012 Jun;166(6):1160-9. Abstract

99. Ansari F, Sadeghi-Ghyassi F, Yaaghoobian B. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of fractional CO2 laser in acne scars and skin rejuvenation: a meta-analysis and economic evaluation. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2018 Aug;20(4):248-51. Abstract

100. Bhargava S, Cunha PR, Lee J, et al. Acne scarring management: systematic review and evaluation of the evidence. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Aug;19(4):459-77. Abstract

101. Harris AG, Naidoo C, Murrell DF. Skin needling as a treatment for acne scarring: an up-to-date review of the literature. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2015 Apr 10;1(2):77-81.Full text  Abstract

102. Bonati LM, Epstein GK, Strugar TL. Microneedling in all skin types: a review. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017 Apr 1;16(4):308-13. Abstract

103. Alster TS, Graham PM. Microneedling: a review and practical guide. Dermatol Surg. 2018 Mar;44(3):397-404. Abstract

104. Ramaut L, Hoeksema H, Pirayesh A, et al. Microneedling: where do we stand now? A systematic review of the literature. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2018 Jan;71(1):1-14. Abstract

105. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Isotretinoin: the truth about side effects. Dec 2020 [internet publication].Full text