Blemishes occur on the skin because of an overproduction of oil on the skin and bacteria and dead skin cells collecting on the skin surface. The buildup of these materials on the skin can clog hair follicles, causing blemishes, states the Mayo Clinic. Blemishes can be controlled with over-the counter (OTC) products in most cases. If acne is more severe, prescription treatments may be necessary.
Types
Effective OTC treatments for blemishes include acne washes containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, lactic acid and resorcinol. Prescription treatments for more severe cases include vitamin A-derived products, including tretinoin, tazarotene and adapalene.
Additionally, dermatologists may prescribe higher doses of benzoyl peroxide in combination with erythromycin and clindamycin. Patients with severe symptoms may require oral antibiotics in conjunction with another prescription medication. For acne that is untreatable by any other medication, a dermatologist may prescribe isotretinoin, a strong acne medication that can cause severe side effects.
Benefits
OTC acne medications are generally inexpensive and can treat blemish breakouts that are mild to moderate. These medications can be purchased at the drugstore or grocery store and contain a small amount of an active acne-fighting ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Prescription treatments tend to be more expensive than OTC treatments but contain larger doses of the active ingredient to heal more severe blemish breakouts. Isotretinoin, which is used to treat nodular cystic acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, can help reduce large, painful blemishes.
Time Frame
Both OTC and prescription acne treatments may require several weeks, up to one month, for results to occur. Side effects, such as skin peeling and burning, may reduce in severity after about two weeks of starting the medication, states the Mayo Clinic. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests speaking to a dermatologist if the medication does not reduce blemishes within 4 to 8 weeks.
Effects
Side effects of OTC acne medications are usually mild and may include irritation of the skin, dry skin and skin flaking. Stronger prescription medications may create more severe side effects, including burning, stinging and peeling of the skin, states the Mayo Clinic. Isotretinoin, the strongest acne medication, may cause vision changes, night blindness, depression and thoughts of suicide. Isotretinoin can also cause severe birth defects, so women who are pregnant or could be pregnant should not take isotretinoin.
Expert Insight
Isotretinoin is generally prescribed for four to five months. Women who take isotretinoin "must use 2 types of birth control or not have sex starting one month before she begins taking the medication and lasting one month after she stops taking it," says the American Academy of Family Physicians. Individuals taking isotretinoin must be watched carefully by a dermatologist for signs of depression because thoughts of suicide and depression may be side effects.
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