Potential treatments for moderate acne include a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Moderate acne consists of blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules. Moderate acne is differentiated from mild acne primarily by the number of lesions present, and from severe acne by the type of lesions. Moderate acne generally means that there are multiple inflammatory and noninflammatory blemishes but little to no large nodules and no cysts. If you are unsure of your acne severity, a dermatologist can determine this for you and suggest or prescribe appropriate treatments.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide effectively treats moderate acne and is available in numerous OTC acne washes and lotions. This leading acne-fighting agent absorbs excess oil and removes dead skills cells which reduces clogged pores. Benzoyl peroxide also reduces P. acnes, a skin bacteria that can travel into the pores in oils from the skin and multiply, causing inflammatory lesions. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's AcneNet, excessively dry skin may occur with benzoyl peroxide use and is the primary side effect. Benzoyl peroxide treatment should continue even after clear skin is achieved to prevent new blemishes from forming.
Oral Antibiotics
Dermatologists often prescribe oral antibiotics for moderate acne that hasn't responded to OTC treatments. Antibiotics lower the P. acnes population, which reduces inflammatory acne lesions. Antibiotic treatment for acne generally begins with a higher dosage and tapers off over the course of six months or less. Occasionally, bacteria become resistant to a certain type of antibiotic, requiring initiation of a new antibiotic. Antibiotic treatment combined with topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide may reduce the chances of antibiotic resistance. Oral antibiotics prescribed for moderate acne include tetracycline, erythromycin and doxycycline.
Retinoids
Derivatives of vitamin A called topical retinoids consist of prescription creams and gels. These topical medications treat moderate acne by increasing skin cell turnover to replace old skin with new skin as well as regulating the shedding of dead skin cells to keep pores clear. Retinoids also lighten hyper-pigmented areas where acne has healed and left areas of uneven skin color. According to Mayo Clinic, potential side effects include severe burning, dryness, peeling and redness, which primarily occurs at the onset of treatment and subside as treatment progresses. Acne may appear to worsen temporarily during treatment as deep blemishes and clogged pores deep in the skin are pushed to the surface. Report any concerning side effects to your dermatologist.
Member Comments