Treatment of Acne Vulgaris Comedones: Topical tretinoin Mild inflammatory acne: Topical retinoid alone or with a topical antibiotic, benzoyl peroxide, or both Moderate acne: Oral antibiotic plus topical therapy as for mild acne Severe acne: Oral isotretinoin Cystic acne: Intralesional triamcinolone It is important to treat acne to reduce the extent of disease, scarring, and psychologic distress.