Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition, with most adolescents experiencing ‘spots’ at some point. For most people, these will resolve by the time they are in their 20s. However, approximately 15% of people in the UK will seek treatment for persistent acne that does not resolve with the use of over-the-counter preparations. This equates to over three million visits per year in the UK to primary care clinicians, such as general practice nurses (GPNs), who are well-placed to support patients. This article outlines the types of lesions that patients can present with, provides guidance on effective skin care, and discusses the topical and oral therapies that may be prescribed and their side-effects. The authors also look at the optimal referral of patients for secondary care assessment, as well as signposting nurses to assessment tools that focus on the psychological, as well as the physical, signs of acne. The psychological effect of having a visible, albeit common, skin condition should not be underestimated.