Medications Used for Acne Treatment – Part 1

Acne is a condition which affects thousands of individuals. For the most part the majority are teenagers. However, acne is not limited to the young and it is not uncommon for women who are pregnant, going through menopause or any individual going through a very stressful period in their life, to suffer from an outbreak of acne.

Individuals who suffer from mild, moderate or severe inflammatory acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications, prescription topical medications, prescription oral medications or a combination of these. Through years of research a variety of medications have become available to help clear acne. And, after years of case studies, there are also a variety of more natural products that can be used to help clear acne and prevent the condition.

To achieve long-term control, dermatologists will often combine therapies. The role of each medication or treatment protocol offers an important treatment, attacking different factors in the development of the condition.

Over-the-counter medications are usually mild and contain benzyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid, lactic acid or resorcinol. These products can be incredibly helpful for mild to moderate acne. It is important to try several different over-the-counter medications prior to scheduling an appointment with the dermatologist. Give each medication at least three to four weeks before determining it is not helping the skin. Sometimes the condition will actually look worse before it gets better.

When attempting to switch over the counter medications read the labels and be sure that you are not switching from one medication which uses salicylic acid as the primary ingredient to another one which has the same primary ingredient. You should assume that your results will be the same. Attempt to find a product whose active ingredient is different from the one you just tried.

If the acne does not respond to these treatments a doctor, or dermatologist, will be able to recommend another topical treatment which is stronger. Tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova) and Adapalene (Differin) are examples of topical prescription products that are derived from Vitamin A. These derivatives can be caustic to the skin initially and may cause peeling, redness and irritation. They work by promoting cell turnover and preventing plugging of hair follicles. Some physicians also recommend the use of Retin-A in order to help clear skin and prevent scar tissue.

References:

(1) MayoClinic.com: Acne

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acne-treatments/SN00038