Investigating the Relationship Between Acne and Vasodilatory Medications in a Hospital-Wide Adult Population

J Drugs Dermatol. 2024 Jun 1;23(6):446-449. doi: 10.36849/JDD.8362.

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic dermatological condition characterized by obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous units. Recent research on a different dermatologic condition has demonstrated that the use of vasodilatory medications is associated with a decreased relative risk of rosacea. This finding is significant due to the overlapping inflammatory pathways involved in rosacea and acne. Herein, a retrospective cohort study was designed to determine the correlation between vasodilator usage and the risk of developing acne within 5 years, contrasting it with thiazide diuretics, chosen as a control due to its non-vasodilatory antihypertensive mechanism and availability of data. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (RR, 0.775; 95% CI, 0.727-0.826; P<0.05), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (RR, 0.739; 95% CI, 0.685-0.797; P<0.05), beta-blockers (BB) (RR, 0.829; 95% CI, 0.777-0.885; P<0.05), and calcium channel blockers (CCB) usage (RR, 0.821, 95% CI, 0.773-0.873; P<0.05) were associated with a significantly lower risk of developing acne within 5 years of initiating therapy compared to thiazide diuretics. It is unclear if thiazide diuretics are more likely to cause acne within the adult population or if vasodilators are protective against the development of acne. Finding mechanisms and therapeutics that lower the risk of developing acne is of significant public health interest, and this study provides a step toward this endeavor. Further research is required to uncover the underlying mechanisms for this reduction in the development of acne.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(6):446-449.     doi:10.36849/JDD.8362.

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris* / drug therapy
  • Acne Vulgaris* / epidemiology
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / administration & dosage
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / adverse effects
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Vasodilator Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists