Acne vulgaris: Treatment made easy for the primary care physician

Acne is the most common skin condition observed in adolescent and preadoles-cent patients. Pediatric providers are on the forefront of managing the disease, often as a secondary concern in a busy practice. Therefore, every provider needs to have an acne treatment plan that is effective, easy to communicate, and simple to follow. This article provides treatment rationale and guidelines-based recommendations for the initial treatment of acne, tips for troubleshooting any side effects, and a plan for subsequent follow-up to maintain good control.