Almost everyone experiences acne at some point in their life. Acne is the result of natural sebum oils from the skin and dead skin cells combining to create plugs in the follicles, called comedones. As bacteria and inflammation enter the equation, comedones grow into more serious cases of acne, such as pustules, cysts and nodules. When acne progresses to these types of cases, there are several prescription medications that may be used for treatment.
Step 1
Apply a topical antimicrobial. Prescription antimicrobials work by specifically targeting the bacteria P. acnes, which, according to the Mayo Clinic, often play a role in the progression and inflammation of serious acne outbreaks. For example, the antimicrobial benzoyl peroxide can be used in prescription strengths to penetrate acne plugs and expose P. acnes to lethal levels of oxygen. Another common prescription antimicrobial option is azelaic acid.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor about a short course of antibiotics. Antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clindamycin and sodium sulfacetamide can be used topically to kill off the P. acnes bacteria. Some antibiotics have secondary benefits, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, such as erythromycin's ability to reduce inflammation, and sodium sulfacetamide's ability to unblock plugged pores. With antibiotics comes a risk for bacterial resistance. As such, these medications are typically combined with other antimicrobials to lower these risks.
Step 3
Apply a topical retinoid cream. Retinoids, such as tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene, are commonly prescribed to help unclog pores and prevent future cases of acne from forming. Retinoid creams can increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so it's important to follow all instructions regarding skin protection while using the medication.
Step 4
Take the oral retinoid isotretinoin. Isotretinoin also falls under the retinoid class, but is taken orally instead of applied as a cream. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, isotretinoin is the only medication that can address all four main causes of acne formation, including inflammation, bacteria growth, skin oil production and skin shedding.
Step 5
Inject corticosteroids into seriously inflamed acne. Acne cysts and nodules require prescription treatments to reduce inflammation and pressure on the acne lesion before it bursts and causes scar tissue. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation, which reduces the overall pressure behind the acne plug, helping the lesion heal and preventing scarring.
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