Pharmacologic Treatment Options in Mild, Moderate, and Severe Acne Vulgaris

Most patients with acne have a disease that responds to acute treatment and can be controlled long term with a maintenance regimen of topical therapy. It is the minority of patients-generally, but not exclusively-the most severely affected, who respond poorly to acute therapy and require continued systemic therapy. The goals of therapy are resolution of visible lesions, prevention of new lesions, avoidance of scarring, and improvement of patient quality of life. Treatment choices are made on the basis of lesion type, number, and size, with consideration given to the presence of physical and psychological scarring. Semin Cutan Med Surg 34(supp5):S82-S85.