Prescription approaches include:

Acne: topical and oral retinoids, hormones, and topical or oral antibiotics. NICE advises antibiotics should always be prescribed in combination with benzoyl peroxide to prevent development of bacterial resistance.10,29

Hidradenitis suppurativa: antibiotics, retinoids, hormonal contraceptives, steroids, immunosuppressants and immune modulatory agents, and anti-androgens.17,26

Rosacea: brimonidine (alpha2-adrenergic agonist), topical or oral antibiotics, topical ivermectin, which has anti-inflammatory activity and kills Dermodex mites. The BNF lists topical retinoids use as an unlicensed indication.10,27

Carbuncles: antibiotics.22

Folliculitis barbae, sycosis barbae: topical or oral antibiotics, particularly against S. aureus.24

Pseudofolliculitis barbae: topical retinoids, topical steroids, and oral tetracylines.24

Other types of folliculitis: antibiotics, topical azoles, isotretinoin, aciclovir.30

Seborrhoeic dermatitis: topical corticosteroids.