[Treatment of acne vulgaris using vitamin A acid]

Vitamin A acid represents the most effective therapeutic agent available for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. This is also borne out by the results obtained in 152 patients over a two-year period. Clinical improvement is striking, long lasting remissions can be maintained by continuous treatment, and there appears to be an acceleration of the natural course to spontaneous remission of disease activity. Patients beyond their teens are more likely to remain symptom-free after adequate treatment than younger patients who may require prolonged maintenance treatment. Special attention is given to the appropriate care for Vitamin A acid treated skin and the general management of these patients is outlined. It is stressed that the patient be instructed, in detail, about the course of treatment and the necessity of staying under observation by an experienced dermatologist.