Acne

Reports from H.H. Tan and colleagues advance knowledge in drug resistance

Acne Library Library Home This article was published in Biotech Business Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"Methods A community- based cross- sectional study in 1045 adolescents aged 13 19 years. 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," wrote H.H. Tan and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "Conclusions There is a need for accessible, accurate education on acne and its appropriate treatment."

Tan and colleagues published their study in British Journal of Dermatology (Community-based study of acne vulgaris in adolescents in Singapore. British Journal of Dermatology, 2007;157(3):547-551).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting H.H. Tan, National Skin Center, Dept. of Dermatology, 1 Mandalay Rd., Singapore 308205, Singapore.

The publisher of the British Journal of Dermatology can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

Keywords: Singapore, Singapore, Antimicrobial Resistance, Drug Resistance, Therapy, Treatment.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.