Treatment of severe acne sometimes requires stronger and more advanced treatment techniques than more mild cases. When over-the-counter treatments fail, prescriptions may be used to reduce acne, as well as injections and surgical procedures. Most acne treatment plans include more than one type of acne treatment for maximal effectiveness.
Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are often used to treat acne that hasn't responded to over-the-counter treatments. According to AcneNet, oral antibiotics work to reduce the P. acnes bacteria, which is a contributing factor to acne. This reduces inflammation and the appearance of acne. Erythromycin, doxycycline, minocycline and tetracycline are among the broad spectrum of antibiotics used to treat acne.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, more commonly known by the brand name Accutane, is a synthetic form of vitamin A that is taken orally to treat acne. Isotretinoin is highly effective as an acne treatment, but it comes with serious risks. Patients taking isotretinoin have to be followed closely by a physician for the duration of treatment. A treatment session of isotretinoin generally lasts about 16 to 20 weeks. According to SkinCarePhysicians.com, this is often the only treatment needed to keep skin clear. Some of the risks associated with isotretinoin treatment are chest pain, headache, depression, nausea, bone and joint pain and dryness of the skin, nose and eyes. Women of childbearing age who take isotretinoin are required to be on two reliable forms of birth control because of the large incidence of birth defects associated with isotretinoin use.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce very large acne lesions. This is aimed at preventing the lesion from rupturing and causing scarring. A diluted solution of corticosteroids is injected into the large acne lesion and reduces inflammation, reducing the chance that it will rupture and cause more severe scarring. This may also alleviate the pain associated with large acne lesions.
Excision and Drainage
Drainage and surgical excision of large acne lesions is sometimes performed when the cysts don't respond to medical treatment. This is done to prevent severe scarring and infection, as well as to relieve the pressure and pain caused by very large cystic acne lesions.
Laser and Light Therapy
Laser therapy, such as blue light therapy, may be used to treat more severe acne or to keep treated acne from recurring. According to MayoClinic.com, blue light therapy is thought to destroy the P. acnes bacteria. Pulsed light therapy destroys P. acnes, shrinks oil glands and reduces oil production. With all types of light therapy, redness of the skin may be present after the procedure.
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