Acne Medications

Acne Medications Related Information:

When the acne problem becomes severe, both teenagers and adults seek the advice of a doctor. The doctor can prescribe medications to help clear up the acne problem and help to prevent scarring from occurring. These medications include topical creams and ointments as well as some oral antibiotics. The most common oral medications used to treat acne are minocycline, doxycycline and erthromycin.

Oral medications help to control acne breakouts by reducing the amount of P. acnes that the body produces. These are the bacteria that lead to acne and the medications also help to decrease the inflammation, However, the process is a lengthy one and it may take weeks or months before the acne problem is cured. Just because the acne breakouts have subsided, you are not cured because without the medication the acne will flare up again. Unless your case is severe, the doctor will most likely start you off with prescription creams and ointments to treat your acne.

The common topical medications for acne include:

benzoyl peroxide

Adapalene gel

Clindamycin phosphate

Azelic acid

Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur

Tetracycline HCL

Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide

Retin-A

Sulfur and resorcinol

Although benzoyl peroxide is available over the counter, without a prescription, the formula in the prescription ointment is stronger. It is safe for use by teenagers as well as adults and works in a manner similar to oral antibiotics to control the P. acne production. It acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent to clean out the clogged pores. It does not work overnight and it may be several weeks before you begin to notice any difference. It does not increase your body’s resistance to bacteria, so you need to keep treating the affected area, even after the acne is cleared up. Although it kills the bacteria, it does not affect their rate of production or the rate at which your body sheds dead skin cells. If you stop using it, the acne may return. The most common side effect is dry skin and to help with this you can use the treatment less frequently or try a lower concentration. If you experience dry, red and itchy skin, you need to discontinue the treatment immediately and contact your doctor.

Retin-A is another prescription medication that can treat acne, in addition to wrinkles, discoloration of the skin and rough skin. It is made from Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is absorbed through the intestine and stored in the liver. You apply this treatment to the affected area, usually at bedtime. Before the application, you need to wash the area using a mild soap and gently dry the area. Wait 20 minutes before putting on the Retin-A and then apply a thin coating, rubbing it in gently. Wash your hands immediately after and be very careful that you do not get any of it in your eyes, mouth and nose. This treatment helps to strengthen and thicken the pores, increase the blood supply to the skin and unclog the pores causing the acne.

Accutane is a product that doctors may prescribe in severe cases of acne. This drug is taken orally with food for a period of 4 to 5 months. It works by reducing the size of the oil glands so that a lot less oil is produced. This also helps to reduce the growth of bacteria. Women who suspect they may be pregnant should never take this drug. It has been linked to complications in pregnancy and birth defects. It has also been linked to the onset of depression and emotional problems.