Acne is a common skin ailment which affects people from the time they hit puberty all the way through adulthood. Most cases of acne can be treated with over-the-counter products, but the acne may be serious enough for you to involve a dermatologist and prescription medications. Certain medications are are more commonly prescribed than others for acne.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a synthetic retinoid commonly used to treat acne. Derived from vitamin A, isotretinoin is one of the only medications that can treat all four main contributing factors of recurrent acne, including inflammation, sebum oil production, clogged pores and bacteria. According to the FDA, you should take care if you're using isotretinoin, as side effects include serious birth defects if used while pregnant.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in many of the top acne treatment medications. Salicylic acid is generally reserved for non-inflammatory types of acne (such as comedones), and works by correcting irregular skin shedding problems. Irregular shedding of dead skin cells contributes to acne by combining the dead skin cells with sebum oil from the skin. This creates a hard substance that can block the pores and form blackheads or whiteheads.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are another choice for acne treatment. Corticosteroids are specifically used for severely inflamed acne, such as cysts or nodules. If left untreated, the pressure from inflammation can cause the node or cyst to burst, resulting in scars. Corticosteroids are injected directly into the inflamed area, reducing swelling before enough pressure can build up to cause further damage.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is another top acne medication. Benzoyl peroxide targets the bacteria in serious acne infections and inflammation, the bacteria is called Propionibacterium acnes. P. acnes cannot survive in environments with high oxygen levels. When applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide penetrates blocked pores and introduces oxygen. This effectively kills the bacteria.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is commonly prescribed to help treat acne breakouts. Eryhtromycin is a topical antibiotic that targets and kills P. acnes, while also reducing inflammation. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, erythromycin is commonly combined with benzoyl peroxide to help decrease the chances of bacterial resistance to the antibiotic.
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