Dermatology

Acne vulgaris

2 templates in the library cover this condition: Acne, follow-up and Acne vulgaris.

Worth reading together

Folliculitis

Template

Acne, follow-up

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MonthChoose anyFirst line

StatusChoose oneFirst line

ResponseChoose one

AdherenceChoose one

Side effectsChoose any

Topical planChoose any

Oral planChoose one

ReferralChoose one

CounselingChoose any

Follow-upChoose one

Counseling

Acne treatments work by preventing new pimples, so they take 2-3 months for full effect and need to continue even when the skin looks clear, and marks left by pimples fade slowly over months. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on a pea-sized amount of the retinoid over the whole face, a gentle oil-free moisturizer, sunscreen, and not picking. Return precautions given including painful deep bumps, scarring, severe irritation, low mood about skin, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

Note when inserted as is

Acne, follow-up
November 2026: Doing well.
• Acne improving on the current regimen
• Using the regimen most days
• Side effects: none
• Continue the current topical regimen
• Follow up in 2-3 months

Acne treatments work by preventing new pimples, so they take 2-3 months for full effect and need to continue even when the skin looks clear, and marks left by pimples fade slowly over months. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on a pea-sized amount of the retinoid over the whole face, a gentle oil-free moisturizer, sunscreen, and not picking. Return precautions given including painful deep bumps, scarring, severe irritation, low mood about skin, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

What the sources cover

Month and status
Acne improving; clear; partial; none; scarring
Adherence; irritation
Side effects: dryness, sun sensitivity, stomach upset
No change/continue; add retinoid, increase strength, add Clindamycin-BP, maintenance
Oral antibiotic start, continue, stop, switch to Minocycline; hormonal; Spironolactone
Isotretinoin referral; dermatology; recommendations reviewed
Skin care counseling

Return precautions in the template

painful deep bumpsscarringsevere irritationlow mood about skin

Sources

Pediatrics in Review: Acne Vulgaris in the Pediatric Patient
Pediatrics and AAP Grand Rounds (full text where noted)

Template

Acne vulgaris

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SeverityChoose oneFirst line

Topical treatmentChoose any

Oral treatmentChoose one

AdherenceChoose any

ReferralChoose any

CounselingChoose any

Follow-upChoose one

Counseling

Acne treatments take 1-2 months to start working and longer for full effect, and skin may be dry or red at first. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on a pea-sized amount of the retinoid, a gentle moisturizer, sunscreen, and not picking. Return precautions given including painful deep bumps, scarring, severe irritation, low mood about skin, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

Note when inserted as is

Acne vulgaris
• Started benzoyl peroxide wash or gel and adapalene gel at night
• Discussed gentle washing twice a day, oil-free products, and daily sunscreen
• Follow up in 2-3 months

Acne treatments take 1-2 months to start working and longer for full effect, and skin may be dry or red at first. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on a pea-sized amount of the retinoid, a gentle moisturizer, sunscreen, and not picking. Return precautions given including painful deep bumps, scarring, severe irritation, low mood about skin, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

What the sources cover

BP, adapalene (OTC lowercase), Tretinoin, Clindamycin-BP
Doxycycline up to 3 months; Minocycline after partial response; hormonal
Dermatology, isotretinoin
Mid-childhood acne: endocrinology
Results take weeks; adherence

Used to decide, kept out of the note

No tetracyclines under 8

Return precautions in the template

painful deep bumpsscarringsevere irritationlow mood about skin

Sources

Cribsiders show notes: #95 Acne (October 11, 2023)
Contraceptive Counseling and Methods for Adolescents: Clinical Report. Pediatrics 2025;156(1):e2025072218. (current; companion to policy)
Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Acne (AARS, AAP-endorsed). Pediatrics 2013;131(Suppl 3):S163. (older; still the…
The Cribsiders #95: Acne
The Cribsiders #157: rapid review