Acne can be painful, disfiguring and embarrassing. That's the bad news. The good news is that there have been several advances in acne therapy, making it a very treatable skin condition, states the American Academy of Dermatology. When you're looking for acne solutions, take into consideration remedies to clear up blemishes, heal your skin and prevent further breakouts.
Step 1
Visit the American Academy of Dermatology's AcneNet website at SkinCarePhysicians.com. This site offers reliable, comprehensive information on acne, including its causes, treatments and home remedies.
Step 2
Assess the severity of your acne, which will determine your treatment. Mild acne is characterized by small pimples such as blackheads or whiteheads and can often be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid products. However, if you have large pus-filled cysts or nodules, you will need advice from a dermatologist.
Step 3
Speak to your pharmacist about using over-the-counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid products. These products can cause redness and irritation; however, a pharmacist should be able to address any concerns you have. These remedies usually take about six to eight weeks to work, according to the website NetDoctor.
Step 4
Consult a dermatologist if your acne doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications or if it becomes more severe. Share with your dermatologist any concerns or personal preferences you have that might interfere with your acne treatment. For instance, if you are pregnant, you may not want to use oral antibiotics and you cannot use isotretinoin or Accutane. Or, if you work outdoors a lot, discuss the best sun protection to use as topical and oral acne treatments can increase sun sensitivity.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak with friends or family members that have suffered from acne. Get their feedback on the treatments that they used, any side effects they experienced and how they coped with those side effects. Research natural remedies to control and prevent acne if you are hesitant to take oral medications. Some of these treatments include changing your diet or increasing your intake of certain supplements such as zinc or the Indian herb guggul, as recommended by "Prescription for Drug Alternatives." A naturopathic doctor or nutritionist can give you further advice.
- Do not look for acne treatments or therapies on websites that do not clearly identify the creator of the site and the credentials of the site's creator or contributors. Some acne medications can cause severe adverse reactions and require medical supervision. For instance isotretinoin or Accutane can cause side effects such as extreme dryness, liver damage, elevated cholesterol levels, nausea, dizziness, hearing loss, blurred vision or seizures, warns the National Institutes of Health.
References
- AcneNet: What Causes Acne?
- NetDoctor: Acne
- "Prescriptions for Drug Alternatives"; James F. Balch, Mark Stengler, Robin Young Balch; 2008
- MedlinePlus: Isotretinoin
Member Comments