Acne will in most cases be treated by the GP himself. Information to the patient, hygiene advice and psychological assistance make up a large part of policy. The clinical picture, pregnancy or desire to use contraception decide which pharmacological treatment is chosen.

Proposed treatment

Mainly comedones

• first-choice therapy: adapalene 
• second-choice therapy: salicylic acid/tretinoin 
• in women wishing to use contraception: pill containing norgestimate

Acne with principally papules/pustules

• first-line therapy: topical benzoyl peroxide
• in hypersensitive patients oral minocycline can be used 
• if inadequate results are obtained, benzoyl peroxide can be used in combination with minocycline
  if this combination produces inadequate results, treatment with isotretinoin is preferable in women wishing to use contraception:
  • mild/moderate acne: pill containing norgestimate 
  • severe acne: pill containing cyproterone acetate (= more expensive).

Severe forms of acne (for women only observing strict contraception)

• Isotretinoin