Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment.

Acne vulgaris is the most prevalent chronic skin disease in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million people per year, mostly adolescents and young adults. Potential sequelae of acne, such as scarring, dyspigmentation, and low self-esteem, may result in significant morbidity. Typical acne lesions involve the pilosebaceous follicles and the interrelated processes of sebum production, Cutibacterium acnes (previously called Propionibacterium acnes) colonization, and inflammation. Acne may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number and type of skin lesions. Multiple treatment agents and formulations are available, with each agent targeting a specific area within acne pathogenesis. Treatment selection is based on disease severity, patient preference, and tolerability. Topical retinoids are indicated for acne of any severity and for maintenance therapy. Systemic and topical antibiotics should be used only in combination with benzoyl peroxide and retinoids and for a maximum of 12 weeks. Isotretinoin is used for severe, recalcitrant acne. Because of the risk of teratogenicity, patients, pharmacists, and prescribers must register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-mandated risk management program, iPledge, before implementing isotretinoin therapy. There is limited evidence for physical modalities (e.g., laser therapy, light therapy, chemical peels) and complementary therapies (e.g., purified bee venom, low-glycemic-load diet, tea tree oil); therefore, further study is required.

Rosacea: Diagnosis and Treatment.

Rosacea is a chronic facial skin condition of unknown cause. It is characterized by marked involvement of the central face with transient or persistent erythema, telangiectasia, inflammatory papules and pustules, or hyperplasia of the connective tissue. Transient erythema, or flushing, is often accompanied by a feeling of warmth. It usually lasts for less than five minutes and may spread to the neck and chest. Less common findings include erythematous plaques, scaling, edema, phymatous changes (thickening of skin due to hyperplasia of sebaceous glands), and ocular symptoms. The National Rosacea Society Expert Committee defines four subtypes of rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous, and ocular) and one variant (granulomatous). Treatment starts with avoidance of triggers and use of mild cleansing agents and moisturizing regimens, as well as photoprotection with wide-brimmed hats and broad-spectrum sunscreens (minimum sun protection factor of 30). For inflammatory lesions and erythema, the recommended initial treatments are topical metronidazole or azelaic acid. Once-daily brimonidine, a topical alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist, is effective in reducing erythema. Papulopustular rosacea can be treated with systemic therapy including tetracyclines, most commonly subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline. Phymatous rosacea is treated primarily with laser or light-based therapies. Ocular rosacea is managed with lid hygiene, topical cyclosporine, and topical or systemic antibiotics.

Outpatient management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Approximately 2% to 9% of patients seen in a family physician's office have alcohol dependence. These patients are at risk of developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome if they abruptly abstain from alcohol use. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome begins six to 24 hours after the last intake of alcohol, and the signs and symptoms include tremors, agitation, nausea, sweating, vomiting, hallucinations, insomnia, tachycardia, hypertension, delirium, and seizures. Treatment aims to minimize symptoms, prevent complications, and facilitate continued abstinence from alcohol. Patients with mild or moderate alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be treated as outpatients, which minimizes expense and allows for less interruption of work and family life. Patients with severe symptoms or who are at high risk of complications should receive inpatient treatment. In addition to supportive therapy, benzodiazepines, either in a fixed-dose or symptom-triggered schedule, are recommended. Medication should be given at the onset of symptoms and continued until symptoms subside. Other medications, including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, and gabapentin, have less abuse potential but do not prevent seizures. Typically, physicians should see these patients daily until symptoms subside. Although effective treatment is an initial step in recovery, long-term success depends on facilitating the patient's entry into ongoing treatment.