The American Academy of Dermatology states that within a single year 40 to 50 million Americans will suffer from acne. It is akin to the common cold with almost as many wives tales, over-the-counter products and home remedies to treat it. But only certain medications have proven effective in the fight against acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is found on every doctor, dermatologist and acne site as a very effective medication in the fight against acne. It is available in both OTC and prescription strengths. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial medication that kills the bacteria that results in acne. It also helps to dry the skin to prevent additional breakouts. Acne.org recommends using an OTC acne cream with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the second most mentioned medication to treat acne. Salicylic acid helps to prevent the excess shedding of cells inside follicles that lead to clogged pores and acne. It too is available in OTC and prescription strengths. It is often found in OTC face washes and pads.
Azelaic Acid
Azelex is a topical medication prescribed by dermatologists that contains 20 percent azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is a natural substance found in animal products and whole grain cereals. It helps to kill the bacteria that causes acne and is believed to aid in the rate of skin renewal. Readers of Acne.org rate how well it works with an average score of four out of five.
Sodium Sulfacetamide
Sodium sulfacetamide is a topical medication available by prescription. Like benzoyl peroxide, sodium sulfacetamide is an antibacterial medication that kills the acne-causing bacteria. Readers of Acne.org give it an average rating of four out of five for how well it works. Readers noted it was great for sensitive skin and for those who may be allergic to benzoyl peroxide.
Bactrim
Dermatologists will sometimes prescribe oral antibiotics to aid in the fight against the bacterial infections resulting in acne. Dermatologists will often wean a patient off the antibiotics as soon as improvement is made to prevent the patient from developing a tolerance to the medication. Readers of Acne.org rate Bactrim as the most effective oral antibiotic, but others, such as doxycycline, tetracycline and minocycline, may also be prescribed.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, otherwise known as Accutane, is the only prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat nodule and cystic acne. The American Academy of Dermatology notes it should not be taken by pregnant women or women who wish to become pregnant due to its cause of serious birth defects. Patients taking isotretinoin must be monitored regularly by their dermatologist for other signs of physical and psychological side effects.
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