ACNE vulgaris: The basis for treatment ; ACNE vulgar: Bases para o seu tratamento

RELEVANCE: Delay in the search for medical treatment of acne can result in scarring, both cutaneous and psychosocial. Inflammatory lesions are painful and acne flares can cause decrease in self-esteem, loss of self-confidence social isolation and even depression. AIM: To review acne and its treatment in the perspective of family medicine. METHODS: A search including both Medline and the Index of Portuguese Medical Journals was performed. Textbooks and other periodic publications on the topic were also consulted. MeSH terms used for the Medline search were “acne”, “treatment” and “human”. REVIEW: Acne definition, epidemiology, physiopathology and classification of lesions are reviewed. Topical and systemic drugs used in acne treatment are discussed, as well as the possible treatment approaches according to type and seriousness of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of treatments are available, allowing the effective treatment of most forms of acne, with benefits both physical and psychological. Two principles are the mainstay of acne therapy: treatment should be initiated as soon as possible, in order to decrease scarring; after the conclusion of any treatment topical drugs should be continued for a period no less than six to 12 months. One should bear in mind that, along with the drugs available, a successful treatment depends in the patient education and compliance promotion. ; Pertinência do tema: O atraso na procura de ajuda médica para o tratamento do acne pode levar ao desenvolvimento de cicatrizes tanto a nível cutâneo como a nível psico-social. As lesões inflamatórias são dolorosas e os episódios de exarcebação do acne podem provocar uma baixa auto-estima, perda de autoconfiança, isolamento social e mesmo depressão. Objectivo: Apresentar uma revisão actualizada e sistematizada sobre o acne e o seu tratamento, numa perspectiva direccionada para os especialistas de Medicina Geral e Familiar. Metodologia: Realizou-se uma pesquisa de artigos publicados na base de dados Medline, na língua inglesa, usando os ...