Usually a self-limited disorder of teenagers and young adults. Comedones (small cysts formed in hair follicles) are clinical hallmark; often accompanied by inflammatory lesions of papules, pustules, or nodules; may scar in severe cases.
Treatment: ACNE Vulgaris Careful cleaning and removal of oils; oral tetracycline or erythromycin; topical antibacterials (e.g., benzoyl peroxide), topical retinoic acid. Systemic isotretinoin only for unresponsive severe nodulocystic acne (risk of severe adverse events including teratogenicity and possible association with depression). |