New 2024 Acne Care Guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology

Acne is not just a pesky cosmetic issue for teens, but a condition that causes physical discomfort and emotional distress for people of all ages. From blackheads and whiteheads to more severe cystic acne, each case calls for a nuanced approach to treating the skin. 

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) periodically updates its treatment guidelines, and it issued a 2024 update for the first time since 2016. Below, our dermatology physician assistant (PA) provides an overview of the updates.

Updates from the AAD’s 2024 Guidelines

Reflecting the latest research and clinical insights into acne treatment, the AAD guidelines offer general recommendations as well as updates on prescription medication options.

Adjusted general practice recommendations

The new guidelines offer five “good practice statements”:

• Combination treatments are preferred over single treatments (i.e. consider using oral  and topical medication and treatment in conjunction)
• Limit antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance
• When they are necessary, combine antibiotics with topical benzoyl peroxide to help avoid antibiotic resistance
• Consider injectable corticosteroids for large, painful, and inflamed acne bumps
• Isoretinoin is recommended for severe acne or treatment-resistant acne

The guidelines continue to emphasize a personalized approach to skin care, acknowledging the variety in acne presentations and patient responses to treatment.

Adjusted topical and oral prescription recommendations

In addition to these general recommendations for acne treatment, the guidelines were also adjusted with regards to prescription medications, like clascoterone for hormonal acne, oral isotretinoin for serious acne, and the antibiotics sarecycline and doxycycline. Further, the guidelines clarify that frequent lab monitoring is unnecessary for healthy young patients taking isotretinoin or spironolactone.

To learn more, you may read the press release from the AAD here or read the full guidelines in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Our expert dermatology provider, physician assistant Stacey J. Spehalski

At our practice, every treatment plan begins with a comprehensive assessment by our dermatology physician assistant Stacey J. Spehalski, PA-C, MPH. She offers a full range of adult and pediatric dermatology services, including full body skin exams, skin cancer screening and excision, and cryotherapy. She also manages and treats skin conditions, including acne, eczema, rosacea, veins, rashes, and psoriasis. Learn more about our dermatology PA »

If you’re struggling with acne and looking for solutions, we invite you to reach out to our practice by calling 610-320-0200 or choosing an appointment time with our PA online. We’re here to help you achieve clear, healthy skin with our dermatology services!

I’ve been a patient of Stacey’s for several years and am very pleased with the care I receive at each visit. She is very thorough and extremely gentle!
—5-Star Review

My daughter and I are both patients of Stacey’s and have always been extremely happy with the care received, and her wealth of knowledge in dermatology!
—5-Star Review

Stacey is personable, knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough! The only person I trust for my annual full-body scans
—5-Star Review