Commentary: A UK primary care perspective on treating acne

摘要

In the United States, many patients with skin disease are treated predominantly by dermatologists. In the United Kingdom, patients often turn first to community pharmacists and then to their general practitioner. Acne can be managed in primary care provided that the general practitioner has adequate training and experience, but this is not always the case. Dermatology remains an area with high levels of referral to specialist services, and this demand outweighs capacity. No national UK guidelines exist for treating acne, although some trusts and health boards have local ones. The BNF (British National Formulary) and the MeReC Bulletin provide some information, and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence provides advice on referral to secondary care. Also, increasing numbers of general practitioners are developing a special interest in dermatology.