A Family Physician's Approach to Acne.

Because of the potential for permanent physical and psychological sequelae, acne vulgaris should be regarded as a true disease-not the "normal" physiologic response one might infer from its near universal prevalence in adolescence. Effective therapy reduces pilosebaceous unit obstruction, minimizes secondary inflammation, and lessens the chance of significant scarring. This article reviews current therapeutic modalities, and suggests a sequence for implementation of specific agents.