Treatment of acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder that is socially disabling to some degree in the majority of adolescents. Effective management of this disease has two major components: a strong physician-patient relationship and a sound medical regimen. The former is necessary to foster patient compliance with the long-term therapeutic regimen required, as well as to reduce the disease's potential for emotional scarring. The rational usage of the various topical and systemic medications available will serve to decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations as well as to minimize possible scarring. Specific recommendations as to moisturizers and cosmetics are included.