Management of acne vulgaris: summary of NICE guidance

• Topical or oral antibiotics should not be used as monotherapy or in combination with each other • Review treatment response at 12 weeks; options that include an antibiotic (topical or oral) should be continued for more than 6 months only in exceptional circumstances • Consider referral to a consultant dermatologist-led team if moderate to severe acne has failed to respond to a 12-week course of treatment that includes an oral antibiotic or if mild to moderate acne has failed to respond adequately to two different 12-week courses of treatment