Acne is a condition involving the formation of pimples on the skin. While antibiotics can be an effective treatment, many other options exist for treating acne, including prescription and herbal medicines, topical and oral treatments and lifestyle modifications.
Types
Most acne treatments can be classified as either topical or oral. Topical treatments, benzoyl peroxide and azeliac acid are available over-the-counter, as are herbal remedies, such as tea tree oil. Oral acne treatments include antibiotics, such as minocycline, herbal and nutritional supplements and the non-antibiotic drug isotretinoin (Accutane).
Indications/Uses
Different treatments may be more effective for certain types of acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, isotretinoin is the treatment of choice for acne fulminans, acne conglobada, nodulocystic acne and gram-negative folliculitis. These severe kinds of acne may also require surgical excision, oral corticosteroids and other measures in order to fully heal.
Less severe types of acne, such as black heads, white heads and small pustules, usually respond to topical treatments like azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Proper hygiene, such as regular face and hair washing, can also help prevent the excess oil that leads to acne.
Effectiveness
The efficacy of a given acne treatment depends on a number of factors, including dosage, treatment compliance and the type and severity of acne. According to the Acne website, isotretinoin is effective in clearing or reducing severe acne in 95 percent of patients.
In the December 18, 2004 issue of "The Lancet," Mara Ozolins and colleagues state that the topical treatment benzoyl peroxide is as effective as the antibiotic minocycline, making it the most cost-effective treatment for less severe acne. Herbal and natural supplements often vary greatly in efficacy, with tea tree oil being as effective as benzoyl peroxide, according to the Mayo Clinic, and natural remedies, such as honey and witch hazel, varying greatly from person-to-person.
Side Effects
All acne treatments can cause unwanted side effects. Topical treatments may cause skin irritation, redness and temporary worsening of acne, while oral treatments like Vitamin A and zinc can cause stomach upset and other gastrointestinal symptoms. The side effect profile for isotretinoin includes the most severe outcomes, some of which include depression, suicidal ideation and severe birth defects, according to Drug Information Online.
Considerations
The safety and effectiveness of a given treatment depends on a number of variables, including dose, length of use and other factors. Finding the right acne treatment is often a trial-and-error process that requires a combinations of treatments, such as hygiene and dietary changes in conjunction with medications or supplements.
