Clinical inquiries. What is the best treatment for mild to moderate acne?
For mild comedonal acne, monotherapy with topical retinoids is the treatment of choice (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A). For moderate comedonal and mild to moderate papulopustular acne, combination therapy with either benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids (adapalene [Differin], tazarotene [Tazorac], tretinoin [Retin-A]) plus topical antibiotics (erythromycin or clindamycin) is proven most effective (SOR: A). Six to 8 weeks should be allowed for most treatments to work before altering the regimen (SOR: A).
Rao
Shobha
S
University of Texas Southwestern Family Practice Residency, Dallas, TX, USA.
Malik
Mehreen A
MA
Wilder
Laura
L
Mott
Timothy
T
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012176:Retinoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D012176:Retinoids; D002981:Clindamycin; D004917:Erythromycin; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide