Therapy for acne vulgaris

Although not curable or preventable, acne can benefit from adequate, appropriate therapy. Modern therapy for acne includes various topical agents highly effective against noninflammatory lesions, and oral or topical antibiotics effective against the inflammatory lesions. Long-term physical and psychologic scarring can be minimized by controlling acne in its active stages. Acne may flare during the first two to three weeks of intensive therapy. Unless undue side effects occur, any single agent or combination of agents should be tried for at least six weeks before being considered ineffective. Treatment needs to be individualized to achieve maximal effect.