Acne and Rosacea: Clinical Pearls

Guy Webster, MD, PhD

What you need to know about treating acne and rosacea…

  1. Isotretinoin absorption is very food dependent. An empty stomach causes a nearly 50% reduction in blood level.
  2. Antibiotic resistance has made macrolides useless in acne.
  3. Limiting antibiotic usage is critical for preserving antibiotic sensitivity.
  4. Use of topical retinoids early in acne therapy will allow withdrawal of antibiotics after a few months in many patients.
  5. Spironolactone and isotretinoin are two alternatives to antibiotics in severe acne.