Provided are methods and topical pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses. The invention involves the topical administration of a pharmacologically active base in a formulation having a pH of about 7.5 to about 13.0, preferably about 8.0 to 11.5, and most preferably about 8.5 to 10.5. These basic formulations are particularly suited to the treatment of acne vulgaris.