Medical Cures For Adult Acne

Adult acne is a skin condition that is sometimes caused by hormonal changes, the use of certain drugs, cosmetics, rubbing of the skin and heredity. It results in skin lesions such as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and lumps called nodules and cysts. Severe acne can cause scarring. Many dermatologists treat acne conditions with medication that can either be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription.

OTC Topicals

Benzoyl peroxide lessens the amount of oil produced in the pores and kills the P. acnes bacteria that contribute to acne. Resorcinol, sulfur and salicylic acid help dissolve blackheads and whiteheads that have already formed. Salicylic acid also reduces cell shedding inside the hair follicles. Regular application of benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, sulfur or salicylic acid can produce satisfactory results in mild cases of adult acne in two months.

Topical Antibiotics

Topical antibiotics work to slow down or arrest bacteria growth and reduce skin inflammation. They are often prescribed to treat acne conditions that are categorized as moderate to serious. The use of topical antibiotics for the treatment of adult acne may produce results in four to eight weeks.

Retinoids

Retinoids are prescription topicals derived from vitamin A. They unclog the pores, which then allows other medications to reach deeper into the skin to treat adult acne. The use of retinoids, which include tretinoin (marketed as Retin-A) and adapalene (marketed as Differin), can bring results in four to eight weeks.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral medicines such as tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline are commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate to serious adult acne. Other antibiotics that are prescribed less often are clindamycin, erythromycin and sulfonamides. These medicines can cause side effects such as stomach discomfort, lightheadedness, skin discoloration and a higher vulnerability to sunburn. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, women who are pregnant cannot take tetracyclines, as this drug can interfere with bone growth in an unborn child.

Isotretinoin

Acne lesions such as nodules and cysts can cause serious damage to the skin if left untreated. When an improvement in an adult acne condition that exhibits nodules and/or cysts is not seen after treatment with topical and oral drugs, a more powerful retinoid such as isotretinoin, formerly marketed as Accutane, will sometimes be prescribed to lessen oil production and bacteria growth. Isotretinoin is usually prescribed for up to 20 weeks, at which point the acne condition may be cured. Isotretinoin is not recommended for women who are pregnant because it can cause birth defects. It also can have other serious side effects, including mental health problems, dryness and itching, and sun sensitivity.

Hormones and Steroids

Women who have acne due to an excessive amount of androgen (male) hormones in the body may be given a prescription for birth control pills or corticosteroid medication to reduce androgen production, or they may be given a prescription for antiandrogen drugs to decrease the production of oil. A dermatologist also may inject corticosteroids into cysts and nodules to shrink them and treat the pain associated with these lesions.