# Acne Vulgaris --- **Acne vulgaris** is a [[skin]] condition characterized by the the formation of pustules, nodules or cysts due to the obstruction and subsequent inflammation of [[hair|hair follicles]]. Mild cases are pretty common especially in teenagers undergoing [[puberty]], but severe cases can happen as well. There are two main forms of acne vulgaris, comedonal and papulopustular acne. **Comedonal acne** consists of non-inflammatory lesions and **papulopustualar** (or **cyctic**) **acne** is inflammatory. ## Treatment - cut down on the oiliness of the skin - diet - sometimes we can identify things in the diet that make it worse - drug therapy - sometimes there is a need for [[antibiotics]] - suppresses the growth of *P. acnes* - topical - hormonal drugs - oral contraceptives - [[diuretics|spironolactone]] ## Isotretinoin **Isotretinoin** (brand names: Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret) is a [[medicine]] that is used to treat [[acne vulgaris|acne]] that works by decreasing [[sebaceous glands|sebum]]. It has many adverse reactions so is only used in cases of severe acne where other medications have not worked. It is also highly [[teratogen|teratogenic]], so uterus-havers must get special approval and be on at least two forms of [[birth control]]. ___