If over-the-counter topical treatments are not enough to treat your acne, you may want to inquire about prescription acne medications available through your doctor. Your doctor may recommend that you try topical solutions with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for a month or more before trying stronger medications.
Antibiotics
As a temporary treatment method for severe acne, your physician may recommend oral antibiotics. The antibiotics can help prevent the spread of acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. Since antibiotic resistance is a concern, a doctor will most likely recommend that you stop the medications after the acne breakouts have cleared up. Antibiotic use can cause stomach upset, headache and dizziness.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills can be used not only to prevent pregnancy but also to clear up the skin in women. Brands like Ortho-Tricyclen include a combination of hormones (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol) that can treat acne. High blood pressure, nausea, blood clots, headaches and depression are complications associated with birth control pill use.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A derivatives used to treat acne, like tretinoin and adapelene, are only available by prescription from your doctor. The medications are applied topically to the affected area of the skin and remove dead skin cells as well as kill bacteria. Skin irritation is a common side effect of vitamin A topical medications.
Isotretinoin
Severe acne and breakouts that have large cysts with an increased risk of permanent scarring may need to be combated by isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A that is taken orally. The brand name of the drug is Accutane. You may need to take the drug for four to six months to successfully treat severe acne. Due to the high chance of birth defects while taking the medication, you must sign a waiver before you can receive a prescription for the drug. Dryness, sun sensitivity and itchiness are other side effects associated with the medication.
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