[13-cis-retinoic acid--an effective therapy for acne conglobata].

46 patients suffering from severe forms of acne conglobata were treated with 13-cis-retinoic acid. The initial dosages of 40, 60 or 80 mg of 13-cis-retinoic acid per day were adapted according to the success of therapy or to severe side effects. Pustules and papules responded promptly followed by the reduction of nodes and cysts. The lesions of the face responded quicker than those of chest and back. After 6 months of therapy, the overall reduction of all acne lesions was 94.4% for the face and 85.8% for chest and back. Thus, the out-standing efficacy of 13-cis-retinoic acid in severe forms of acne conglobata has been documented once more.