Overview of the treatment of acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common conditions presented to the family physician. The vast array of topical and systemic medications available can make choosing an appropriate treatment seem overwhelming. Because every case of acne is different, the choice of medication should be selected on a case-by-case basis based on the type of acne, its location and patient factors. In this article, we attempt to provide a concise review of how to quickly diagnose acne based on the type(s) of lesion(s), and how to choose a treatment regimen appropriate for each type. We review the pathophysiology and key clinical features of acne, in addition to treatment options.