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The article focuses on acne vulgaris in females of childbearing age, emphasizing the importance of considering reproductive factors in acne treatment due to safety concerns for both the mother and fetus. Topics include the prevalence of acne in pregnant women, therapeutic considerations during pregnancy, and the impact of acne on social, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic, recurring inflammatory skin disorder that manifests as erythematous macules or plaques with varying levels of scaling associated with pruritus. The condition typically occurs as an inflammatory response to Malassezia species and tends to occur on seborrheic areas, such as the scalp, face, chest, back, axilla, and groin areas. SD treatment focuses on clearing signs of the disease; ameliorating associated symptoms, such as pruritus; and maintaining remission with long-term therapy. Since the primary underlying pathogenic mechanisms comprise Malassezia proliferation and inflammation, the most commonly used treatment is topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents. Other broadly used therapies include lithium gluconate/succinate, coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, sodium sulfacetamide, glycerin, benzoyl peroxide, aloe vera, mud treatment, phototherapy, among others. Alternative therapies have also been reported, such as tea tree oil, Quassia amara, and Solanum chrysotrichum. Systemic therapy is reserved only for widespread lesions or in cases that are refractory to topical treatment. Thus, in this comprehensive review, we summarize the current knowledge on SD treatment and attempt to provide appropriate directions for future cases that dermatologists may face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disorder in adolescents and young adults. It carries a significant psychological and economic burden to patients and society. A wide range of therapeutic options are available, including topicals and systemic therapies. Chemical peeling is a skin resurfacing procedure intended to regenerate normal skin from the application of exfoliative agents. It has been used for the treatment of acne vulgaris and other skin disorders for decades. There are several chemical agents with variable mechanisms of action, usually classified as superficial, medium, and deep peels. When selecting the patient and the appropriate peel, the dermatologist individualizes therapy, and performs an extensive interview, including past medical history and physical exam. Several host factors can affect the outcome of this procedure, including current psychological state, medications, history of surgery, and immune system, among others. The physician must also be confident that the peel is safe and effective for the target patient. The Fitzpatrick skin type scale is a useful tool to classify patients based on skin color and ability to tan, but also can be used to evaluate preoperative risk of postpeel response and complications. Dark-skinned patients (Fitzpatrick skin type IV–VI), including blacks, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino, are at higher risk of postinflammatory/postpeel hyperpigmentation. When treating these populations, deep chemical peels should be avoided, and preoperative preparation emphasized. There are many studies available in the literature supporting the use of superficial to medium depth peels as adjuvant therapy for acne vulgaris. This review article aims to present the most important factors when selecting a patient for a chemical peel, the evidence behind its safety and efficacy, and special considerations when choosing a specific agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the role of diet in the development of common skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. The association of diet and acne has been controversial and unclear. Historically, it was thought that diet did not cause acne; however, recent studies reveal a potential role of diet in the pathogenesis of acne. Individuals that have a diet with a high glycemic load or increased milk consumption are reported to have a greater likelihood of having acne. This effect may be mediated by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) since IGF-1 levels increase with milk consumption and with a high glycemic load and are known to contribute to the formation of acne. In contrast to acne, the association of diet and rosacea is much more accepted and established. There are a variety of foods that aggravate rosacea, including spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, and hot, caffeinated drinks. Patients are advised to avoid these triggers. Interestingly, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may be beneficial in the treatment of rosacea, although further investigation is necessary. Understanding the etiologic role of diet in acne and rosacea may help in the prevention and treatment of these conditions.