THE ACNE PROBLEM

Abstract

THE ULTIMATE goal of acne therapy is to prevent permanent disfigurement and to control the altered function of the sebaceous glands. There is lack of agreement in certain phases in the treatment of this problem; therefore I should like to review my experiences in the management of 350 acne cases, especially as to the following questions: First, is there any indication of increased androgen excretion in persons with acne as compared with normal persons of a similar age? Second, what benefits can be derived from the use of estrogenic substances? Third, are oral antibiotics useful in eliminating the infectious component, and can the most beneficial medication be determined by bacterial sensitivity tests? Last, is there any favorable effect obtained by the administration of vitamin A to these patients ? The development of acne in some persons receiving injections of corticotropin has again stimulated investigations into a possible endocrine etiology.