All products available without prescription for the treatment of mild to moderate acne are topical. Antibiotics – systemic and topical – are available on prescription for more severe acne.
Topical therapy has two aims: to remove follicular plugs that cause the inflamed eruptions (comedones) that characterise the condition, and to minimise colonisation of the skin by bacteria, principally Propionibacterium acnes, whose actions are a contributory factor.
Four main types of preparation are available:
- Keratolytic (also known as comedolytic in relation to acne)
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Abrasive.