Stern, RobertPass, Theodore M.Komaroff, Anthony2021-09-131984-12Stern, Robert, Theodore M. Pass, Anthony Komaroff. "Topical v Systemic Agent Treatment for Papulopustular Acne: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis." Archives of Dermatology 120, no. 12 (1984): 1571-1578. DOI: 10.1001/archderm.1984.016504800330130003-987X1538-3652https://nrs.harvard.edu/URN-3:HUL.INSTREPOS:37369408We used cost-effectiveness analysis to compare the costs, risks, and benefits of two strategies for clearing papulopustular acne; topical therapy alone as initial therapy or a combination of systemic antibiotics and topical agents used at the first visit. Patients treated with combination therapy had fewer weeks of morbidity from acne, and lower dollar costs but have a greater risk of side effects. If the topical therapy alone was chosen to reduce the risk of side effects in a population of patients there would be an additional $764 in costs and 238 weeks of morbidity from acne to avert a single additional instance of side effects. Initial treatment of papulopustular acne with combined oral antibiotics and topical agents thus seems to be cost-effective. After clearing is achieved, maintenance therapy with topical agents should be considered.en-USDermatologyGeneral MedicineJournal Article2018-06-2419842021-09-1310.1001/archderm.1984.01650480033013