Acne treatment can be a tricky problem for patients and doctors alike. Treatments that work for one person may prove ineffective for another, and varying severity and types of acne require different medications. The first step in achieving healthy acne treatment is to consult with a dermatologist about your particular skin problems. Only a skilled physician can tailor a treatment regimen to your particular needs.
Significance
Acne affects a large number of teenagers as well as adults. This stubborn skin problem causes physical pain as well as emotional pain for many sufferers. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of people with acne actually seek professional treatment. Taking this wait-and-see approach can not only cause permanent scarring as increased breakouts occur, but it also prolongs the emotional damage caused by suffering with chronic acne.
Over The Counter Treatment
Over-the-counter acne preparations that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help treat mild acne or sporadic breakouts. Many washes, astringents and creams contain one of these ingredients. For oily skin and mild inflammatory acne, benzoyl peroxide can reduce excess oil and fight bacteria to prevent additional breakouts. For dry or combination skin and non-inflammatory acne like blackheads, salicylic acid treatment can prevent the buildup of dead skin cells which clog pores. Salicylic acid can also reduce inflammation in small, non-inflammatory blemishes. Both medications are fairly gentle and cause minimal side effects, with skin dryness or irritation being most common.
Antibiotic Treatment
For moderate acne, a dermatologist may prescribe oral antibiotics such as doxycycline, minocycline and tetracycline. These medications fight bacteria, which can become trapped in the pores and multiply, causing inflammatory acne. Prolonged antibiotic therapy may result in skin bacteria becoming resistant to a certain antibiotic, requiring a change in medication. Antibiotics are often combined with topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide, for maximum effect. Some antibiotics, like erythromycin, may even be safe for use during pregnancy, when many women begin to see blemishes for the first time since adolescence. Antibiotics cause few side effects for most people, with gastrointestinal irritation being the most common.
Retinoid Treatment
For the most severe cases of acne, an oral retinoid called isotretinoin is often prescribed as a last resort. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's AcneNet, isotretinoin is the most effective treatment available for acne because it treats multiple acne-causing factors. This potent drug reduces excess oil by shrinking the oil glands in the skin, fights bacteria, unclogs pores and reduces inflammation. A high amount of responsibility is required of both the patient and doctor during isotretinoin treatment. Monthly follow-ups are required because of the potential for serious side effects. According to MedlinePlus Drug Information, women are required to submit to monthly pregnancy tests as well as pregnancy tests prior to treatment. Very severe birth defects are likely to occur when isotretinoin is taken at any point during pregnancy.
Healthy Habits
Changing certain habits can help reduce the incidence of breakouts when combined with medical treatment. Acne sufferers may be tempted to touch, squeeze, pop or pick at their blemishes, but this may actually worsen the condition. Touching transfers oils from the hands to the face, and popping or picking at blemishes can lead to scarring. While foods have little effect on acne, an unhealthy diet may diminish a person's overall health. People who are fatigued tend to have more stress which causes breakouts. Finally, smoking may deplete important vitamins, such as vitamin C. This important vitamin aids in wound healing and fights free radicals, and decreased vitamin C may cause blemishes to heal more slowly.
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