Therapeutic strategy

The type of therapy prescribed for a patient with acne depends on the site, severity and type of acne - and the manner in which the patient is responding psychologically to the condition

  The history of acne therapy,  as applied by dermatologists, has been unfortunate. There are many clinical studies indicating the benefit of various treatments but adequate comparative studies in the clinical setting (as opposed to the clinical trial environment) are few and far between. The use of oral antibiotics has developed more by chance and personal bias than by well-planned clinical investigation. This author's department is certainly in part responsible for contributing to some of the myths of acne therapy!

  It is necessary to reassure the patient that acne is a very treatable disease. Although the doctor can in no way cure the condition, with longterm treatment, the results should be most satisfying. The patient should be told that topical therapy will be necessary for many years and 6-8 monthly courses of oral  therapy may be required from time to time. It should be stressed to the patient that treatment of acne is a team affair involving the physician and patient.