The Basics of Treating Acne

Dermatologists treat all severe and non severe cases of acne. The objectives of prescription treatment are to stop lesions from forming and infecting the skin. Lesions and scaring cause physiological stress effecting activities of daily living especially in teenagers.

Prescription topical medications
Usually by the time a patient reaches the doctors office they have already exhausted all forms of over the counter treatment. Acne which isn't curable with the use of over the counter medication is then aggressed with topical prescription medications or a combination of oral and topical prescription medication. Topical treatment can take up to eight weeks before noticeable clearing of the skin.

Black heads, white heads and mildly inflammatory acne are affectively treated by the use of topical creams such as Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur which are the most common course for direct treatment some creams may work differently depending on the patient. Patients with sensitive skin may experience side effects such as skin irritation, redness, or burning in the area where topical cream was applied which should lesson or dissipate if symptoms don't go away speak with your doctor.

Prescription oral medications
Treating moderate to severe inflammatory acne is approached by a combination of topical and oral prescription medication. There are several types of oral antibiotics used in the treatment of acne, although there isn't not a technical cure for acne antibiotics kill the bacteria in the skin, oral antibiotics must be taken over the long haul to avoid the re growth of them causing bacteria. There can be certain side effects such as intolerance to sun, nausea, dizziness, and changes in the pigment of the skin.

Nodular or cystic acne
The approach of treatment may be more aggressive if you have nodular or cystic acne that has not responded to any other treatments. Isotretinoin or accutane which is a steroidal oral medication taken twice a day with food for a duration of about fifteen to twenty weeks. This medication is known for reducing the amount of oil which is produced in the body's oil glands decreasing bacteria.

Women affected by over active hormones
Women who are affected hormonally by acne can try less evasive treatments such as low- estrogen contraceptives, low dose corticosteroids, or anti androgen medication all of which are androgen lowering medications. Side effect may include irregular menses, breast soreness, fatigue accompanied by headaches.

Other treatments for acne
There are many other types of treatments and procedures that are sometimes used in conjunction with topical or oral medication. Depending on how acute your acne is will depend on what kind of treatments will be suggested. There are many herbal treatments that will help to lesson the bacteria in your skin.

Treating your acne as soon as sores appear on your skin is the best alternative; however scaring is not always preventable the damage done to your skin will be less severe with treatment. It is never a good idea to pick at your skin with your finger nails which spreads bacteria around on your skin and also collects what ever bacterium was under the nail onto your skin.

What medical research is being done?
Studies are being conducted and newer acne treatments medications are being developed to co exist or replace those currently on the market. As with all bacteria evolution allows bacteria to become stronger and more resistant to medication. Good hygiene and thorough facial cleansing are still a good way to battle acne.

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