Non-Prescription Acne Vulgaris Treatments: Their Role in our Treatment Armementarium: An International Panel Discussion.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (Acne), a common inflammatory skin disorder, has its peak incidence between 14 - 19 years of age, with girls, frequently developing acne earlier than boys. Over recent years persistent acne is becoming more prevalent in adult women. OBJECTIVES: This review and panel discussion addresses challenges in acne management, particularly in adult women. The role which non-prescription acne treatment can play is explored when used as monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment for acne of all severity. METHODS: The best available evidence on non-prescription acne treatment was coupled with the opinion of an international expert panel of dermatologists to adopt statements and recommendations discussed in this review. RESULTS: All severity of acne has a significant burden on patients. Addressing environmental factors that are important for the individual with acne may help to educate, prevent, effectively manage, and maintain acne, per the panel. They agreed that the adult female acne population has unique needs because of their aging skin and social environment. Non-prescription acne treatment products may help to balance the efficacy and tolerability of prescription acne treatment. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for how to use non-prescription acne treatment products in these patients. CONCLUSION: The panel agreed that guidelines including non-prescription acne treatment either as monotherapy for mild acne or in combination with prescription treatments for more severe acne would address a significant unmet need.