Acne is a common skin disorder that can be experienced at just about any age. Acne can vary in severity from mild cases of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) to more serious cases of inflamed and infected acne cysts or nodules. When acne progresses to a more serious stage, there are several medications that may be prescribed to treat the problem.
Benzoyl Peroxide
One common medication for acne is prescription benzoyl peroxide. Benzyol peroxide targets one of the contributing factors to acne breakouts called the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen into the pores, which the P. acnes bacteria is sensitive enough to that it dies.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid can also be prescribe to treat acne. Azelaic acid works by fixing abnormal skin cell shedding, and reducing inflammation in sever cases of acne, such as nodes or cysts. Azelaic acid is also an antimicrobial, making it capable of killing the P. acnes, bacteria.
Erythromycin
The antibiotic erythromycin is used in topical form to treat acne. Antibiotics have the ability to kill bacteria, including the P. acnes bacteria. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, erythromycin is typically combined with a separate antimicrobial to help prevent bacterial resistance to the antibiotic. Erythromycin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent pressure build up from inflammation in infected acne cysts or nodules.
Adapalene
Adapalene is a mild retinoid that can be prescribed to treat acne. Retinoids are synthesized from vitamin A and work by promoting the regular turnover of skin cells which can help keep pore clean of acne plugs. Adapalene also has anti-inflammatory properties which help with more serious types of acne.
Isotretinoin
When milder retinoids, such as adapalene, are unsuccessful, your doctor may prescribe a stronger retinoid called isotretinoin (Accutane). Like other retinoids, isotretinoin works by promoting the regular turnover of skin cells. It also helps control other acne development factors, such as sebum oil production, inflammation and bacteria. The strength of this retinoid also comes with a larger list of side effects, including the chance of birth defects if used while pregnant, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids can also be prescribed for acne, especially severe inflammatory acne breakouts. Corticosteroids are directly injected into inflamed acne lesions on the skin, relieving the inflammation and pressure behind the skin. If left untreated, pressure can build and cause the acne cyst or nodule to pop. This can result in severe skin damage and scarring.
Member Comments