A method of treating inflammatory acne vulgaris or inflammatory acne rosacea comprises the topical application of a formulation incorporating carbamide peroxide in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Inflammatory acneform lesions that can be successfully treat with the inventive method include erythematous papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Suitable pharmaceutical vehicles for the topical application of carbamide peroxide include creams, gels, lotions, solutions, suspensions, and ointments.