The bottom line
Acne is commonly treated by primary care physicians. A clear approach of graded treatment based on severity of disease yields improvement in outcomes. Mild acne should be treated with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or a combinations of topical treatments. Systemic antibiotics should be combined with topical therapies for moderate to severe acne. Female patients may also consider using combined oral contraceptives and spironolactone. Oral isotretinoin is an effective option for severe acne, but requires close monitoring.
References
Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74[5]:945-73.e33. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037. Epub 2016 Feb 17).
Dr. Skolnik is associate director of the family medicine residency program at Abington (Pa.) Memorial Hospital. Dr. Marriott is an attending family physician at Capital Health Primary Care in Hamilton, N.J.