title: Acne: systemic treatment.
abstract: Acne vulgaris is a disease affecting mostly adolescents and young adults that, when severe, has the potential to result in scarring and permanent disfigurement. Systemic treatment is necessary to prevent significant psychological and social impairment in these patients.(1) Significant inflammatory and nodulocystic acne is usually recalcitrant to topical treatment, whereas uncommon acne variants, such as acne fulminans, pyoderma faciale, and acne conglobata, need to be promptly and effectively controlled. In all of these circumstances, systemic agents are indispensable. The choices include oral antibiotics, isotretinoin, and hormonal treatment (Table 1).
authors.affiliation: University of Athens, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, A Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece. katsabas@internet.gr
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katsambas
authors.forename: Anastasia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Papakonstantinou
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin