Introduction

Acne and rosacea are common skin conditions that some people find merely troublesome and others find deeply distressing and socially disabling. 

Acne affects up to 95 per cent of adolescents (aged 11-30 years) to some extent. In 2013 it was estimated that acne accounted for 3.5 million visits to primary care annually. Timely use of effective treatment provides relief and reduces the risk of long-term scarring.

Given that many patients with acne stop over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed treatments too early and rosacea treatments are often not well understood, the community pharmacy team can play a greater role in the management of these two conditions.

The potential for community pharmacies to extend their involvement in treatment is complicated by the fact that different arrangements exist for supply of treatments under PGDs and via pharmacy independent prescribers in different parts of England, Scotland and Wales. These are likely to change as services continue to develop.

Moderate-severe acne is one of the most common indications for long-term and/or repeated antibiotic use. Better adherence with early treatment can contribute to antimicrobial stewardship by reducing the prescribing of long-term antibiotics.

Although previously known as ‘acne rosacea’, rosacea is a different condition from acne. It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition associated with recurrent episodes of facial flushing, persistent erythema, telangiectasia, papules and pustules. It affects about five per cent of the population, mainly in the 25-39 year age group.