Acne vulgaris is the most commonly-occurring type of
acne in adolescents and young adults worldwide. Affecting
almost 90% of people at some point in their lives, the
condition usually starts at puberty and may become more
severe in adulthood. It mostly affects the face, the back and
the upper chest. This dermatological condition is characterized
by the following kinds of lesions:

1. Non-inflammatory nodules (cysts), open comedones
(blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads) in its mild
to moderate forms.

2 Inflammatory papules, nodules and pustules in its severe
forms

3 Macules (dark scars seen on dark skin)

4 Erythematous macules (reddish-colored scars from recently
healed blemishes, seen mostly in fair-skinned people)

These lesions may disappear without any treatment after a
few weeks. However, more severe forms of acne require
extensive treatment and may take a few months to a few years
to heal.

Treatment Options

Treatment of acne vulgaris depends on the severity of the
acne. The doctor decides whether a single mode of treatment,
or a combination, is required. The various kinds of treatment
are shown below.

Patients should be aware of these precautions and possible
side effects:

Pregnant women should never use Isotretinoin, a strong
teratogen. Women should be tested to rule out pregnancy before
this therapy is started and pregnant women must not take
isotretinoin. Routine pregnancy tests should be done during
the course of the treatment.
Safer options would be erythromycin and amoxicillin.