[April 28, 2016]

National Survey Reveals Reactive Acne Treatment Persists, Despite Emotional Struggle Associated with Breakouts

Galderma Laboratories, L.P. today announced results of a new national survey that revealed more than 1,000 teens and young adults who have experienced acne struggle emotionally with their breakouts, yet treat it reactively and are anxious for results and effective acne treatments without ever visiting a dermatologist or primary care physician (PCP).

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160428005525/en/

National survey finds those who suffer from acne struggle emotionally with their breakouts, yet many don't visit their physician to discuss treatment options. (Graphic: Business Wire)

"Acne can widely impact teens and young adults, especially on an emotional level, yet many only treat their acne reactively and expect immediate results," said Dr. Dendy Engelman, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and Galderma consultant. "Acne sufferers have options, including prescription treatment options for patients with acne ranging from mild to moderate to severe inflammatory acne."

A national survey* of more than 1,000 teens and young adult acne sufferers revealed that:

• Teens and young adults struggle emotionally and are quick to steer clear of cameras, mirrors, and social media - While experiencing acne, 69% of teens and young adults have taken less pictures of themselves; many also avoid mirrors (40%), spend more time in their rooms (36%) and stay off social media (25%).¹ Specifically those with more severe acne have stayed off social media (46%) compared to mild and moderate sufferers (23%).²
• Among teens and young adults, females tend to be more embarrassed about the acne they experience and are concerned about its implications - When experiencing acne, more girls than boys (74% vs. 58%) have avoided looking in the mirror.¹
• Despite this, 56% of teens and young adults only treat their acne with OTC products reactively and are impatient for OTC products to work right away¹ - On average, results after using an OTC treatment are expected within three days; and 28% who are unsatisfied with results move on to another OTC option after a few weeks.¹ Approximately half have jumped to using a new OTC acne product before finishing an old one and have even administered multiple OTC treatments on their skin at the same time.¹ For those experiencing more severe acne than usual, almost a third (31%) would be most likely to try an OTC treatment - fewer would prioritize a visit to a physician for a prescription (18%) or advice (16%).¹
• Most teens and young adults are concerned about being able to find effective OTC treatment options - In fact, almost all (94%) would make sacrifices if it meant they'd never have acne again, including giving up Snapchat (57%) or Instagram (51%) for six months, wearing the same clothes as their friends (44%) and giving up dessert for a year (41%).¹
• Physicians, including dermatologists and PCPs, are rarely consulted for acne-related issues - More than 75% of teens and young adults report that they visit dermatologists less often than once a year, if ever.¹ In fact, 44% of teens and young adults don't know a PCP is able to provide them with a prescription for acne treatment.¹

It's important to recognize that if acne sufferers haven't experienced improvement within two weeks after using an OTC treatment, it may be time to visit a physician to discuss prescription treatment options. One option from Galderma inclues Epiduo® Forte (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.3%/2.5% that combines two antibiotic-free medicines in one gel. Epiduo Forte Gel is the first combination of these strengths of the retinoid, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide, proven to help control moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Another option from Galderma, Epiduo (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.1%/2.5% is the #1 prescribed branded topical acne agent in the world, using two antibiotic-free medicines for the treatment of acne. For patients with mild to moderate acne, Epiduo Gel works to help treat current breakouts quickly and help prevent future pimples from forming.

Important Safety Information

Indication: Epiduo® Forte (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.3%/2.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Adverse Events: In the pivotal study, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (=1%) in patients treated with Epiduo Forte Gel were skin irritation, eczema, atopic dermatitis and skin burning sensation. Warnings/Precautions: Patients using Epiduo Forte Gel should avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps and wear sunscreen when sun exposure cannot be avoided. Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/burning, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with use of Epiduo Forte Gel and may necessitate discontinuation. When applying Epiduo Forte Gel, care should be taken to avoid the eyes, lips and mucous membranes.

Important Safety Information

Indication: EPIDUO® Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. Adverse Events: In controlled clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse events (=1%) in patients treated with EPIDUO® Gel were dry skin, contact dermatitis, application site burning, application site irritation and skin irritation. Warnings/Precautions: Patients taking EPIDUO® Gel should avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps and wear sunscreen when sun exposure cannot be avoided. Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/ burning, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with use of EPIDUO^® Gel and may necessitate discontinuation.

Additional information on Epiduo Forte Gel and Epiduo Gel can be found in the prescribing information at www.epiduoforte.com and www.epiduo.com.

About Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting more than 40 to 50 million people.³ Acne appears when pores clog with dead skin cells,³ and can have a wide-ranging negative impact on sufferers that includes both emotional and physical scars.⁴ Studies show that many people who have acne suffer from low self-esteem and depression,⁴ and that teens who believe they have "bad" acne were more likely to think about hurting themselves.⁴ Acne not only affects teenagers but also can be seen in men and women of all ages³ with research showing that the onset of acne is frequently seen in prepubescent patients.⁵

When it comes to acne treatment, long-term use of antibiotics may be a contributing factor to the overall global antibiotic resistance issue.⁶ Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacteria linked to acne, is increasingly becoming resistant to topical and oral antibiotics,⁶ which may potentially cause a decrease in treatment efficacy against acne.⁶

About Galderma

Dating back to 1961, Galderma is now present in over 100 countries with an extensive product portfolio to treat a range of dermatological conditions. The company partners with health care professionals around the world to meet the skin health needs of people throughout their lifetime. Galderma is a leader in research and development of scientifically-defined and medically-proven solutions for the skin, hair and nails.

Strategic brands in the U.S. include Epiduo^® Gel, Epiduo^® Forte Gel, Oracea^® Capsules, Clobex^® Spray, Differin^® Gel, Mirvaso^® Gel, MetroGel^® Gel, Soolantra^® Cream, Vectical^® Cream, Tri-Luma^® Cream, Cetaphil^®, Benzac^® Acne Solutions, Restylane^®, Restylane^® Silk, Restylane^® Lyft, Dysport^® (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Sculptra^® Aesthetic.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

*The online survey, fielded in May 2015 among 1,000+ teens and young adults 13-22 years of age who have had acne and tried at least one OTC acne treatment, was developed by Galderma Laboratories, L.P with Kelton, using an email invitation.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

1. Kelton Global Research. Epiduo Break the Cycle Survey: NewsWorthy Analysis. June 2015.
2. Kelton Global Research. Epiduo Break the Cycle Survey: Breakout Report. June 2015.
3. American Academy of Dermatology. Acne: Who gets and causes. https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne/who-gets-causes. Accessed on October 12, 2015.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. Acne. https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/a---d/acne. Accessed on October 12, 2015.
5. Goldberg JL, et. al. Changing Age of Acne Vulgaris Visits: Another Sign of Earlier Puberty? Pediatr Dermatol. 2011 Nov;28(6):645-648.
6. Humphrey S. Antibiotic Resistance in Acne Treatment. Skin Therapy Let. 2012;17(9). http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/772258_1. Accessed on October 12, 2015.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160428005525/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]