Acne medication adherence remains a challenge for teens
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MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — One of the main challenges of treating adolescent patients with acne is adherence, creating a need for practitioners to be cognizant and work with patients to increase prescribed usage, according to a presenter here.
“When we talk about teenagers with acne, we have to talk about adherence,” Jonette E. Keri, MD, PhD, professor of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said at the Masters of Pediatric Dermatology meeting. “So, when we think about teenagers, we have to think about how can we interact with them in a way so that they want to take care of their skin?”
A 2015 review found 27% of adolescent patients did not fill their acne medication prescriptions, and patients who were given more than one prescription were much more likely not to fill all of their prescriptions. Additionally, those prescribed a topical retinoid or were recommended to use an over-the-counter product were the least likely to adhere to these treatment plans, whereas those prescribed just one acne treatment were most likely to adhere to the plan.
Therefore, finding the right drugs and those that patients are more likely to use is important, according to Keri.
Clascoterone, trifarotene, sarecycline, minocycline foam and tazarotene lotion are all newer acne treatment options available that could help to boost adherence.
A combination of clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, benzoyl peroxide 3.1% and adapalene 0.15% is also showing promise in adolescent populations.
Spironolactone and oral contraceptives can also be good options. Contraceptives, however, should not be used until menstrual cycles are established, according to Keri.
Counseling patients on regular face washing and diet changes that can reduce acne, such as reducing sugar and sugary drinks, can also be beneficial.
Most importantly, practitioners should be listening to their patients, taking the time to understand what type of treatment plan they will be most likely to follow and to fully explain the importance of adherence.
“See what they like and dislike. Tell them it’s going to take a while. Show interest in them,” Keri said. “Pediatric patients are different from adults. You have to keep in mind that they’re kids.”