Clinical Evaluation Indicators and Efficacy Assessment Methods in Acne: A Narrative Review

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of hair follicles and sebaceous glands and is among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. There are many clinical studies on acne, with numerous evaluation indicators and methods for evaluating efficacy, which vary by country and region. Over the years, these evaluation indicators and efficacy assessment methods have been modified and refined by researchers to better reflect advances in contemporary medicine. We systematically searched the domestic and international databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), for literature on clinical studies of acne, acne evaluation indicators and acne efficacy assessment methods. We compiled representative evaluation indicators from different periods and traced those that have remained in use to their earliest sources, comparing their development and modifications over the years. Ten experts in the field of acne from the authors' institution were organized to screen and vote on relevant indicators and to assess the respective advantages and disadvantages of selected indicators. Based on the frequency of occurrence of relevant indicators and expert opinions, this article comprehensively reviews and summarizes internationally influential and widely used acne assessment indicators and specific efficacy evaluation applications, providing detailed application references for researchers.