ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a case scenario on acne followed by a highly detailed explanation of the condition and its management, presenting the symptoms in a way that are likely to be encountered in general practice. Acne is among the commonest skin conditions affecting teenagers. It is a cause of considerable anxiety and psychological morbidity among sufferers. Acne is characterised by the presence of comedones, which are non-inflammatory follicular lesions. Treatment of acne is determined by the severity of disease and may be topical or by oral medication. Some people may mistake blackheads for dirt and be excessive in their attempts to clean these lesions. In mild to moderate acne it is appropriate to start with topical treatment. Topical treatment may consist of antibacterials, retinoids, keratolytics or combination therapy. Oral antibiotics, with evidence of benefit include, erythromycin and the tetracyclines; tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline and lymecycline.
