Dermatology
Acne Vulgaris — Grading and Treatment
Severity grading and NICE-aligned topical to systemic to isotretinoin treatment escalation
Source: NICE NG198 2021 / BAD
Step 1 of ~10
info
Acne Vulgaris
Affects 85% of teenagers; can persist into adulthood. Grading: comedonal (blackheads/whiteheads), papulopustular (inflammatory papules and pustules), nodular/cystic (deep nodules >5 mm). Assess: severity, distribution (face/chest/back), psychological impact, scarring risk.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Isotretinoin · Systemic retinoid (Vitamin A derivative) / Anti-acne
- Dapsone · Anti-inflammatory / Antimicrobial
- Erythromycin 2% Topical · Topical macrolide antibiotic (anti-acne)
- Adapalene 0.1% Topical · Topical retinoid (anti-acne)
- Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5–10% · Topical bactericidal / Anti-acne (keratolytic)
- Azelaic Acid 15–20% · Topical dicarboxylic acid (anti-acne / anti-rosacea)
Pathways
- Suspicious Pigmented Lesion — Melanoma Pathway · NICE NG14 2015 / BAD
- Cellulitis and Erysipelas · NICE NG141 2019 / CREST
- Psoriasis — Severity Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG153 2019 / BAD
- Atopic Eczema — Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG95 2023
- Urticaria and Angioedema · BSACI / EAACI Guidelines 2022
- Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer — BCC and SCC · NICE NG12 2015 / BAD NMSC Guidelines
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.