Adult Acne: Its Response to Therapy

Although acne is principally a disorder of adolescence, the prevalence of adult acne is increasing. Adult acne has been defined as presence of acne beyond the age of 25 years. Various studies have shown that a significant percentage of adult women with acne failed to respond to treatment with systemic antibiotics and isotretinoin which indicates a need for treatment alternatives with improved effectiveness and acceptable side effects for resistant acne. This study aims to study the response of oral antibiotic therapy and oral hormonal therapy in Adult Acne. The objective of the study is to examine the response of oral antibiotic and oral hormonal therapy along with their side effects in cases diagnosed with adult acne. (i) Study design: Interventional study, (ii) Basis of adequate sample size: All patients diagnosed with adult acne will be considered for study. Seventy-two adult female patients presenting with acne fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criterias were enrolled for the study. (iii) Sampling frame and method: Written informed consent will be obtained and identity of the participants will be kept confidential. Sequential photographs will be taken after patient’s consent to check the response rate. Data will be analyzed using ‘Friedman test”. Based on the results of our study, it can be concluded that although both antibiotics and hormonal therapy improved acne lesions, but results were statistically significant with hormonal therapy as compared to antibiotic therapy. Both antibiotic and hormonal therapies are safe and effective options for treating adult acne. All patients of adult acne may not have an underlying hormonal imbalance or hyperandrogenism, thus the role of oral antibiotics in the treatment should not be underestimated.