An adolescent presents to the clinic with moderate acne. They have been using OTC benzoyl peroxide at home with minimal improvement. A topical antibiotic (clindamycin) and a topical retinoid adapalene (Differin) are prescribed. Education would include:

Question

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Adapalene and other retinoids can initially worsen acne before improving it, typically over a period of 6 to 8 weeks. This is known as the "purging" phase, where the medication accelerates skin cell turnover, bringing clogged pores to the surface.

An Adolescent Presents to the Clinic with Moderate Acne