It provides a broad spectrum of activity in acne cases, but provides slow onset of action. This receptor specific retinoid has had activity in both acne and psoriasis treatment. People often think that acne is an adolescent issue. While acne commonly debuts with the hormonal changes of the pre-teen years, many cases are adult onset, often accompanying the hormonal changes of pregnancy, hormonal irregularities in the menstrual cycle, or ovarian cysts that may cause hormonal abnormalities that increase androgen productivity. Typically, women suffer from adult onset, or worsening acne more often than men.
Women usually seek standard acne therapies such as topical preparations, antibiotics or Accutane.
In addition, the FDA has now approved an oral contraceptive for acne treatment, Ortho Tricyclen. Most acne treatments require prolonged care that should be carefully monitored by a dermatologist. Once improvement is achieved, a maintenance dose is usually necessary. Women who develop adult acne typically have the problem for many years. Dr. Shalita further discussed how these medications can be incorporated into existing treatments as topical, systemic and local office therapies, fostering a lifetime of healthier, acne-free skin.