Treatment for
moderate acne
Patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne may be
treated with prescription topical or oral medicines, alone
or in combination. Acne or zits is a skin
condition also known as pimples that occurs when sebaceous
glands become blocked or inflamed to varying degrees. The
blocked oil glands often become infects causing puss to
build under the skin. Here are some useful facts about acne.
Prescription Topical Medicines for acne
Several types of prescription topical medicines are used to
treat acne, including antibiotics, Benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin,
adapalene, and azelaic acid. Antibiotics and azelaic acid help
stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation.
Tretinoin, a type of drug called a retinoid that contains an
altered form of vitamin A, is an effective topical medicine for
stopping the development of new comedones. It works by
unplugging existing comedones, thereby allowing other topical
medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. The
doctor may also prescribe newer retinoids or retinoid-like
drugs, such as tazarotene or adapalene, that help decrease
comedo formation.
Like OTC topical medicines, prescription topical medicines
come as creams, lotions, solutions, or gels. The doctor will
consider the patient's skin type when prescribing a product.
Creams and lotions provide moisture and tend to be good for
people with sensitive skin. Gels and solutions are generally
alcohol based and tend to dry the skin. Therefore, patients with
very oily skin or those who live in hot, humid climates may
prefer them. The doctor will tell the patient how to apply the
medicine and how often to use it.
Some people develop side effects from using prescription
topical medicines. Initially, the skin may look worse before
improving. Common side effects include stinging, burning,
redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. With
some medicines, like retinoids, these side effects usually
decrease or go away after the medicine is used for a period of
time. Patients should report prolonged or severe side effects to
their doctor. Between 4 and 8 weeks will most likely pass before
patients see their skin improve.
Prescription Oral Acne Medicines
For patients with moderate to severe acne, the doctor often
prescribes oral antibiotics (taken by mouth). Oral antibiotics
are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of
bacteria and reducing inflammation. Prescription oral and
topical medicines may be combined. For example, Benzoyl peroxide
may be combined with clindamycin, erythromycin, or sulphur.
Other common antibiotics used to treat acne are tetracycline,
minocycline, and doxycycline. Some people have side effects when
taking these antibiotics, such as an increased tendency to
sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, and
changes in skin colour. Tetracycline is not given to pregnant
women, nor is it given to children under 8 years of age because
it might discolour developing teeth. Tetracycline and
minocycline may also decrease the effectiveness of birth control
pills. Therefore, a backup or another form of birth control may
be needed. Prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics may be
necessary to achieve the desired results.
NOTE: Most drugs used to treat acne have side
effects and lose effectiveness, please see
here.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Acne is a common skin condition occurring primarily in the
late teens and early twenties, but may continue into the
thirties. Heredity, diet, hygiene, stress, and general
illness can aggravate acne which can be extremely upsetting
to young children.
Products for the treatment of acne
We offer a variety of products for treatment of acne.
Please click here to see all
products or here for the
Dermaray UV for spot treatment of
acne (requires UVA globe) |