All About Having Radiant Health, Skin Problems, Acne Medical Treatment


Acne treatment basically depends on the severity of your acne. For mild, moderate or severe type of acne, there are different treatment options available.Your doctor may choose to combine treatments to give the most effective results and to prevent developing drug-resistant bacteria. Sometimes treatment may require application of lotions or gels on any spots, blemishes or sometimes entire areas of the skin like chest or back. Sometimes you might have to take medicines by mouth (oral medicines).
Mild Acne: It can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications which can be bought at any drugstore without a doctor’s prescription. These are generally topical medicines. For mild acne (whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples), you may choose OTC products that have the following ingredients.

Resorcinol: 

This facial cream helps break down blackheads and whiteheads and also helps with more stubborn skin problems like psoriasis and dermatitis. You must use it at least twice a day and discontinue its use once you get rid of acne. Always wash your face before applying this cream. Apply it to the areas affected by acne and give it some time to work before washing your face off.

Benzoyl Peroxide:

It eradicates the acne-causing bacteria and also slows down the production of oil of your glands. This white crystalline peroxide is used in bleaching and acts as a catalyst for free radical reactions. This ingredient also works as a peeling agent that removes any dry skin, and prevent skin pores from blocking, which further decreases the bacteria in the affected parts.
It is generally available in cream or gel form and should be used at least twice a day. Ideally, you should apply it 20 minutes after washing your face. Apply it only to the affected areas of your face. Avoid too much exposure to sun and harmful UV rays as it makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen before stepping out.

Salicylic Acid:

It can be used to treat mild to moderate acne. This ingredient can be found in many over-the-counter products such as lotions, creams, cleansers, shampoos, toners, etc. Salicylic Acid works as an exfoliant, breaking down blackheads and whiteheads, and helping getting rid of dead skin cells. It is helpful in treating acne because it prevents skin pores from becoming clogged while at the same time allowing other cells to grow. Hence, it decreases the pore clogging and breakouts on the skin. Use regularly if you want to prevent acne.

Sulfur: It has been used from ancient times for treating skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and dandruff, and also rosacea and warts. Sulfur helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. It can be found in prescription medications and over-the-counter skin care products such as soaps, cleansers, lotions, masks and spot-treatments.
When applied over the skin, it causes the skin to dry and peel. However, if you have acne, it is a good thing for you. Such products decrease skin oiliness and prevent pores from blocking.

Retin-A: 

It is a powerful acne treatment medicine that helps clear clogged pores. Retin-A contains Tretinoin, an acid from vitamin A, which is also used in acute promyelocyticleukemia treatment. Retin-A can be used to treat mild to moderate acne. It is available in gel or cream form and helps in fighting aging of the skin, reducing the fine lines and wrinkles. It should be used once in a day, before going to bed. Always apply it on clean face.

Azelaic Acid: 

It is a natural ingredient that kills bacteria or reduces its growth in the skin. It can help to get rid of dead skin and prevent acne that is caused by bacteria. Azelaic Acid is often used as an alternative treatment for acne if you face any side effects of benzoyl peroxide or tropical retinoids that are painful. It is found in wheat, rye and barley. This is available in a cream or gel form. Apply at least twice a day.
In case, you have severe acne and non-prescription products have not worked for you, you must visit a dermatologist (an expert in curing skin conditions).
Oral Antibiotics : Oral antibiotics (antibiotic tablets) can be effective in curing inflammatory acne (papules and pustules). These generally respond well when used in combination with a topical treatment to cure moderate to severe acne. Oral antibiotics reduce irritation caused by bacteria and other infuriating chemicals present in the sebaceous follicle. These can be really effective in controlling acne.

Usually, a class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines is recommended. Tetracyclines can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and harmful UV rays. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are some other side effects of tetracylclines. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are often advised to take an antibiotic called erythromycin, as it is safer to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  Common side effects of erythromycin include nausea and mild stomach ache. However, if you take erythromycin with food, it will diminish the severity of its side effects. It might take some time before you notice any improvement in your skin condition.

Hormonal Therapies:

Hormonal therapies have often helped women treat acne, especially when their skin condition is linked with hormonal conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. If you are not using it, your dermatologist may recommend you to start taking a combined oral contraceptive pill. This pill can help curing acne in women.
Co-cyprindiol : It is a hormonal treatment that is often recommended to treat more severe acne which doesn't respond to antibiotics. It helps cut down the production of sebum. This treatment may take 3-6 months to give major improvement in your acne condition. However, for women, there is a risk of developing breast cancer later in life. There is another minor risk of co-cyprindiol causing a blood clot. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this treatment option. Some other side-effects of this treatment includes: headaches, mood changes, sore breasts and weight gain or weight loss.

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