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Whats new in acne

ACNE

see main article Acne

Agents like Tretinoin which are derived from vitamin A have been around for a long time.

Adapalene  ( Differin gel ^TM )and Tazarotene are the new kids on the block and are  effective in treating mild to moderate acne. Adapalene is a new  retinoid  which helps in acne. This is a modification of the retinoid molecule that is more stable, less irritant and has comedolytic and antiinflammatory activity.  

Adapalene is available as a 0.1% gel while Tazarotene is available as 0.1% or 0.05%.

Tretinoin has been upgraded to a new formulation that used a different delivery system.  It holds the chemical in microspheres and releases it slowly into the skin.  This is claimed to be better tolerated and less irritating.

Hormonal therapy

Nothing new about the approach even though the oral contraceptive pill norgestimate-ethinyl-estradiol has had the distinction as the first low dose oral contraceptive to have FDA approval for treatment of acne.