Acne can cause significant embarrassment and anxiety in affected patients. It is impor-
tant for family physicians to educate patients about available treatment options and
their expected outcomes. Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, sulfacetamide, and azelaic
acid are effective in patients with mild or moderate comedones. Topical erythromycin or
clindamycin can be added in patients with mild to moderate inflammatory acne or mixed
acne. A six-month course of oral erythromycin, doxycycline, tetracycline, or minocycline
can be used in patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne. A low-androgen
oral contraceptive pill is effective in women with moderate to severe acne. Isotretinoin is
reserved for use in the treatment of the most severe or refractory cases of inflammatory
acne. Because of its poor side effect profile and teratogenicity, isotretinoin (Accutane)…