Scientometric analysis of trends in global research on acne treatment

Abstract

Background: Acne or acne vulgaris is the most common chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous follicles. Objectives: The present study aims to identify the main lines of research in the field of acne treatment using reproducible scientometric methods. In this article, we reviewed the following research trends: facial acne, different antibiotics, retinoids, anti-inflammatory drugs, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors therapy, and associated diseases. Methods: The analysis of publications from the PubMed collection was carried out from 1871 to 2022. All data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The evolution of the terminological portrait of the disease is shown. Results: Trends in the use of various groups of antibiotics, retinoids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and photodynamic therapy for acne treatment have been found. There is a growing interest in clindamycin and doxycycline (polynomial and exponential growth, respectively). The effects of isotretinoin are also being studied more frequently (active linear growth). The publication of studies on spironolactone is increasing (linear growth). There is also a steady interest in the use of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in the recent years. There is active research on acne and polycystic ovary syndrome (exponential growth). Limitations: Only articles in English were selected. The most frequent terms were considered. Conclusions: The dynamics of publication activity in the field of acne was considered. The aim of the current scientometric study was to analyze the global trends in acne treatments. The trend analysis made it possible to identify the most explored areas of research, as well as indicate those areas in dermatology in which interest is declining.