Aim/outline Acne vulgaris is a very common condition which can cause significant physical and psychological morbidity About 15% of the adolescent population have sufficient problems to seek treatment. This is an age when self-esteem is very important. Although in most patients acne clears up by the early 20s, more severe acne tends to last longer and a group of patients have persistent acne lasting up to the age of 30 - 40 years Acne may scar most of the time this is preventable by using the correct treatment given in a – timely fashion Acne makes up a significant proportion of referrals to hospital dermatology clinics-14% of the rashes referred to the community GPwSI service in 2009. Given the large numbers of patients who suffer from acne, it is important that these should be managed effectively in the community in the majority of cases. Early effective treatment for all with the condition will prevent scarring and promote self-esteem. Hospital referral should be reserved for those patients requiring hospital only drugs to control their disease. The aim of this pathway is to enable GPs to manage acne more effectively within the community and to improve the appropriateness of their dermatology referrals to secondary care. It is hoped this may lead to reduced referral rates. Guideline Developed by, and Contacts for Advice: Primary care Dr Louise Moss Moss Valley Medical Practice 01246 439101 Dr Liz Riches Chatsworth Road Medical Practice 01246 568065 Secondary Care Dr Colver Chesterfield Royal Hospital All patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris in the community. Take a good skin history. - How long have they had acne? - Family history? - What previous treatments have they tried? What sort of response have they had? Were there side effects? Are they compliant? Have there been gaps in treatment? - How does their acne affect them? - Are there any aggravating features? E.g. use of anabolic steroids, based cosmetics, topical/oral steroids, lithium, ciclosporin, oral iodides in homeopathic remedies.
Aim/outline Acne vulgaris is a very common condition which can cause significant physical and psychological morbidity About 15% of the adolescent population have sufficient problems to seek treatment. This is an age when self-esteem is very important. Although in most patients acne clears up by the early 20s, more severe acne tends to last longer and a group of patients have persistent acne lasting up to the age of 30 - 40 years Acne may scar – most of the time this is preventable by using the correct treatment given in a timely fashion Acne makes up a significant proportion of referrals to hospital dermatology clinics-14% of the rashes referred to the community GPwSI service in 2009. Given the large numbers of patients who suffer from acne, it is important that these should be managed effectively in the community in the majority of cases. Early effective treatment for all with the condition will prevent scarring and promote self-esteem. Hospital referral should be reserved for those patients requiring hospital only drugs to control their disease. The aim of this pathway is to enable GPs to manage acne more effectively within the community and to improve the appropriateness of their dermatology referrals to secondary care. It is hoped this may lead to reduced referral rates. Guideline Developed by, and Contacts for Advice: Primary care Dr Louise Moss Moss Valley Medical Practice 01246 439101 Dr Liz Riches Chatsworth Road Medical Practice 01246 568065 Secondary Care Dr Colver Chesterfield Royal Hospital All patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris in the community. Take a good skin history. - How long have they had acne? - Family history? - What previous treatments have they tried? What sort of response have they had? Were there side effects? Are they compliant? Have there been gaps in treatment? - How does their acne affect them? - Are there any aggravating features? E.g. use of anabolic steroids, cosmetics, topical/oral steroids, lithium, ciclosporin, oral iodides in homeopathic remedies. based
FINAL%20acne%20pathway%20NDCCG%20Approved%20by%20JAPC%20Sept%2013.docx