Acne treatment acne<unk>  is effective for treating acne lesions. It does not induce antibiotic resistance. It may be combined with salicylic acid, sulfur, erythromycin or clindamycin (antibiotics), or adapalene (a synthetic retinoid). Two common combination drugs include<unk> /clindamycin and adapalene/benzoyl<unk> , an unusual formulation considering most retinoids are deactivated by<unk> s. Combination products such as<unk> /clindamycin and<unk> /salicylic acid appear to be slightly more effective than<unk>  alone for the treatment of acne lesions. The combination tretinoin/benzoyl<unk>  was approved for medical use in the United States in 2021.<unk>  for acne treatment is typically applied to the affected areas in gel, cream, or liquid, in concentrations of 2.5% increasing through 5.0%, and up to 10%. No strong evidence supports the idea that higher concentrations of<unk>  are more effective than lower concentrations. Mechanism of action Classically,<unk>  is thought to have a three-fold activity in treating acne. It is sebostatic, comedolytic, and inhibits growth of Cutibacterium acnes, the main bacterium associated with acne. In general, acne vulgaris is a hormone-mediated inflammation of sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Hormone changes cause an increase in keratin and sebum production, leading to blocked drainage. C. acnes has many lytic enzymes that break down the proteins and lipids in the sebum, leading to an inflammatory response. The free-radical reaction of<unk>  can break down the keratin, therefore unblocking the drainage of sebum (comedolytic). It can cause nonspecific<unk> tion of C. acnes, making it bactericidal, and it was thought to decrease sebum production, but disagreement exists within the literature on this. Some evidence suggests that<unk>  has an anti-inflammatory effect as well. In micromolar concentrations it prevents neutrophils from releasing reactive oxygen species, part of the inflammatory response in acne. Side effects Skin irritation due to<unk>  Application of<unk>  to the skin may result in redness, burning, and irritation. This side effect is dose-dependent. Because of these possible side effects, it is recommended to start with a low concentration and build up as appropriate, as the skin gradually develops tolerance to the medication. Skin sensitivity typically resolves after a few weeks of continuous use. Irritation can also be reduced by avoiding harsh facial cleansers and wearing sunscreen prior to sun exposure. One in 500 people experience hypersensitivity to<unk>  and are liable to suffer burning, itching, crusting, and possibly swelling. About one-third of people experience phototoxicity under exposure to ultraviolet (UVB) light. Dosage In the U.S., the typical concentration for<unk>  is 2.5% to 10% for both prescription and over-the-counter drug preparations that are used in treatment for acne. Other medical uses<unk>  is used in dentistry as a tooth whitening product.
Benzoyl peroxide
Photoanethole
Amylmetacresol
Tetrachlorodecaoxide
Helothermine
Hydrofluoric acid
Selenium disulfide
Dicoumarol