Acne: systemic treatment.
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).
Katsambas
Andreas
A
University of Athens, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, A Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece. katsabas@internet.gr
Papakonstantinou
Anastasia
A
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
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin