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 VulgarisCareful 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). |
Inflammatory disorder affecting predominantly the central face, rarely affecting pts <30 years of age. Tendency toward exaggerated flushing, with eventual superimposition of papules, pustules, and telangiectasias; may lead to rhinophyma and ocular problems.
| TREATMENT | ||
Acne RosaceaOral tetracycline, 250-500 mg bid; doxycycline 100 mg bid, minocycline 50-100 mg bid, topical metronidazole and topical nonfluorinated glucocorticoids may be useful. |