It is administered for the treatment of mild-common teenage Acne, Acne of pregnancy and as an adjunct to systemic treatment.
Topical acne treatment formulations are mostly antimicrobial or keratinolytic with the most commonly used being Benzoyl peroxide, Retinoic Acid, Resorcinol in combination with Salicylic Acid and Sulphur and Azelaic Acid.
Furthermore, in some cases the treatment may be applied by the topical application of a sufficient dose of UVB radiation.
In cases where Acne does not resolve with Topical Treatment, it can be treated with Systemic Antibiotics, Hormonal Therapy and Systemic Retinoids.
Antibiotics are the cornerstone of eliminating Acne symptoms. They must be taken for a minimum of 3 months and bring Acne "pimples" under control until they begin to subside.
Hormonal Therapy primarily involves treatment with Estrogen or a combination of Estrogen and Antiandrogens. This method is ideal for adult women who are already using birth control pills.
Although the results of Retinoid Treatment are not immediate, too many patients describe it as "the best Acne Treatment they have tried". During treatment with 13-cis-retinoic Acid, all patients develop skin dryness, and nosebleeds may be seen in patients with relative susceptibility and transient hyperlipidemia, in which case liver testing is recommended before starting treatment. A full cycle of treatment with retinoids is usually sufficient.
Finally, during treatment with Retinoids and for 3 months after completion of treatment, contraception should be ensured to avoid teratogenicity.
