Editorial

Dear SBD member,

More than just a common skin condition seen frequently in dermatology practices, acne is one of the primary clinical subjects to appear in the titles of a great many publications on Pubmed - in excess of 7,100 items! This frequency illustrates the importance given to the study of this subject, leading to a constant influx of data and findings, especially regarding the pathogenesis of this condition. Even with such a large scientific output, we nonetheless often see a misalignment of international guidelines concerning the therapeutic and practical medical management of acne. This is indeed cause for concern.

Of all the inconsistencies related to the treatment of acne, the most worrying is, without a doubt, the possibility of a bacterial resistance resulting from poor clinical management. Meanwhile, attention to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, even in the presence of topical and/or systemic medications that do not generate such a resistance, is an important issue. It is worth noting that bacterial resistance is a worrisome issue within all medical specialties, and is already considered problematic in many countries and also by the World Health Organization.

In 2001, in an effort to reduce this gap between intention and practical conduct in subjects related to acne, the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne (GAIOA)-a group of 21 scholars specializing in this condition - was founded. The formation of regional groups, such as the Global Alliance Latin America (GALA), followed suit with the aim of distributing the GAIOA's guidelines. I was invited to join the GALA and the GALA, in 2010 and 2013 respectively, opportunities I have undertaken with great honor. Also in 2013, the Global Alliance Brazil (GAB) was founded with the help of Brazilian colleagues Beatriz de Ribeiro Medeiros (DF), Fabio Francesconi do Valle (AM), Ivonise Follador (BA), Juliane Rocio Neves (RJ) and Luiz Maurício Costa Martins (MG).

In addition to generating and disseminating scientific knowledge about acne for the medical community, the GAIO/GAIOA and its regional and local branches have the greater purpose of disseminating science within the field of Dermatology specifically, with innovation and without restriction. In keeping with this, financial support was sought from Galderma Brasil in order to enable the publication of a supplemental issue of the journal Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology. This would not only make excellent clinical cases by our Brazilian authors available for the public in a rapid manner, but also allow the publication of review articles prepared by the GAB in the last two years.

Dear member, with this present supplement, GAB members are delighted to publish the fruits of so many meetings, conference calls, and hours of reading and writing on acne. At the same time, this supplement makes possible the publication of excellent clinical cases by many Brazilian authors, thus passing on some of their experience.

Our sincerest wishes for excellent reading!

 

Adilson Costa, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Jack Arbiser's Laboratory
Department of Dermatology
Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, GA, USA