If you are one of the many sufferers from Acne, then you already know of the many over the counter options available to you today. However, did you also know that there are a multitude of studies occurring around the world to find better cures for Acne? There are and we highlight two of them here for you. As with anything medically related, consult your physician prior to taking or applying any medication. With any case of Acne, it is best to consult with your Dermatologist.

If you are unsure what a Dermatologist or Dermatology is, we have defined it here for you (with a little help from Wikipedia). Dermatologists are physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in relation to the skin and appendages (hair, sweat glands, etc). Dermatology (from Greek ?????, "skin") is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its appendages (hair, sweat glands, etc).

A study recently released in the September issue of British Journal of Dermatology (BJD), studied 1045 adolescents aged 13'19 years. The objective was to determine the epidemiology of acne in teenagers in Singapore. According to the study, "Results Of these respondents, 88% identified themselves as having acne. Eight hundred and six of these respondents were examined by a dermatologist, and 51'4% were classified as having mild acne, 40% moderate acne and 8'6% severe acne. Isolation of Propionibacterium acnes was attempted in 262 subjects. Cultures were positive in 174 subjects, giving an isolation rate of 66'4%. Antibiotic-resistant strains of P. acnes were detected in 26 isolates (14'9%). Eleven of these 26 subjects (42%) had previously been treated or were presently on antibiotic treatment for acne, but the other 58% of students who had antibiotic-resistant strains of P. acnes did not give a history of prior antibiotic therapy. Teenagers expressed psychological distress over acne, and believed that hormonal factors, diet and hygiene were important factors in causing acne." Researchers have concluded from this study that there is still a need for more education on acne and how to treat the skin condition.

So what kind of strides are being made in regards to acne? Acne vulgaris, better known simply as acne, has a variety of ways it can be treated. However many doctors and patients as well are dissatisfied with a lot of treatments available on the market today. Another study published in the September issue of BJD, was to, ?evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a novel lotion containing triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.? The results showed that, ?forty patients were recruited into the study, of which 33 completed the study. Active treatment was statistically superior to placebo in reduction of Leeds grading and total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts. The active lotion showed a rapid response with obvious reduction in lesion counts and acne grading by 4 weeks. Sebum production was significantly reduced in the actively treated group, with a mean reduction of 53% in sebum production compared with baseline. One patient developed irritation to the active lotion and withdrew from the study.? According to researchers the study showed that the lotion was effective against mild and moderate cases of Acne, as well as effects on both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions. According the doctors, ?The new lotion worked quickly and was generally well tolerated.?

This may not mean it is a be all end all for your case or someone you know, but you should consult with your Dermatologist to see if it is right for you.

By: Michael C. Podlesny