Oral Isotretinoin for Acne in the US Military: How Accelerated Courses and Teledermatology Can Minimize the Duty-Limiting Impacts of Treatment

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic disease affecting 40 to 50 million individuals in the United States each year. It has a peak incidence in adolescents and young adults; however, for some patients, the disease may persist well into adulthood. These incidence peaks coincide with the age demographic of a large proportion of military service members. Although there are many approaches to treating acne, active-duty service members and military dermatologists must weigh multiple additional challenging factors when selecting a therapy. Untreated acne itself may hinder a military service member’s ability to perform, and many of the available therapies also can limit their medical readiness or fitness for full duty. Herein, we review operational restrictions to acne-specific therapeutics and discuss an accelerated course of oral isotretinoin as a safe and effective option for military service members bound by duty restrictions and CU operational timelines. In addition, we explore the role of teledermatology for the treatment of acne in military service members.