Topical therapy for acne vulgaris. How do you choose the best drug for each patient?

Abstract

Although management of acne is sometimes difficult, primary care physicians can offer a number of treatment plans to patients with this skin condition. Comedonal acne usually responds to topical keratolytics, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, and tretinoin. Inflammatory acne is usually treated with topical therapy plus a systemic antibiotic. Nodulocystic acne generally requires an 8-week course of systemic antibiotics. If the nodulocystic acne does not improve, minocycline or isotretinoin may be needed. Topical therapy is often helpful in the long-term management of nodulocystic acne. New products are available that deliver topical agents in novel ways that decrease skin irritation. With the proper tools and instructions in use, most patients have significant improvement in their acne.