Acne Treatments Reviewed, Starting With Touch

▸ Cysts and scars. More aggressive treatment is appropriate for acne with cysts and scars, and many of these patients will end up receiving isotretinoin from a dermatologist who can follow them carefully for numerous potential side effects.

For patients aged 18–25 years, isotretinoin therapy will get rid of acne for 10 years or longer in 30%, and 40% will have recurrent acne that responds to topical therapies or antibiotics. The odds are even better for patients aged 12–15 years, Dr. Lane said.

Many adolescents feel that their acne is dirty, and they take it personally. ©Scott