The bane of most teenagers, acne is a condition caused by clogged pores. Acne can affect adults as well. It most often occurs due to bacteria, hormonal fluctuations and hair follicle problems. Many different medications exist for treating acne, both topical and oral. Before you begin any treatment for acne, consult a qualified health-care professional.
Identification
Acne typically involves your skin's oil glands -- or sebaceous glands -- which produce sebum that's secreted through your hair follicles, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. When your pores become clogged, you can develop blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. Because hormonal fluctuations can provoke acne, you're at a greater risk for breakouts if you're a teenager, pregnant or taking medications that affect your hormones, MayoClinic.com notes. If you're a woman or adolescent girl, you may experience breakouts a few days prior to the beginning of your menstrual period. You're also at a greater risk for acne if your family has a history of the condition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Types
Depending on the severity of your acne, there are many treatment options. Over-the-counter acne medicines are available, which are topical and usually contain lactic or salicylic acid, sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide, MayoClinic.com says. Over-the-counter acne treatments are usually used for mild acne. For moderate to severe acne, your physician might prescribe a topical medicine such as vitamin A-derived drugs called retinoids, which include Differin, Retin-A and Tazorac, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Topical antibiotics and a stronger benzoyl peroxide ointment are also sometimes prescribed for acne. Also for moderate or severe acne, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline and doxycycline or the medication isotretinoin, commonly called Accutane. Oral medicines to alter hormones that cause acne include certain birth control pills and the drug spironolactone, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Other Treatments
Aside from medications, people with severe acne may need to undergo corticosteroid injections, acne surgery dermabrasion or chemical peels to correct acne or reduce acne scars, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. You could also try phototherapy to treat acne, which involves exposing your skin to ultraviolet light. Laser treatment may reduce oil secretions from your sebaceous glands to help treat acne as well, MayoClinic.com notes.
Considerations
Before you try any medicine or therapy to treat your acne, discuss the options with your doctor. A dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional can recommend a safe and effective acne treatment based on your health history, diet, skin care habits and suspected breakout triggers, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your physician will also consider any previous acne treatments you've tried. Tell your doctor about any medications you're taking, including supplements and birth control pills, as well as what seems to bring on your acne breakouts and any cosmetic products, lotions or soaps you use, MayoClinic.com advises. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or want to become pregnant in the near future, because some acne treatments may be unsafe.
Warning
Keep in mind that many acne medicines can take up to two months to become fully effective, and often your skin will appear worse before it gets better, MayoClinic.com warns. To help prevent acne breakouts, don't scrub your face; wash it only twice daily with a mild soap. Don't squeeze pimples, and avoid using acne medicines more frequently than recommended or prescribed, advises the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, don't use topical or oral retinoids, Accutane, or oral antibiotics to treat your acne, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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