If acne is wrecking havoc with your skin and your self esteem, remember that you do not have to accept acne as a curse and rue your fate. There are several treatments available out there. It is up to you to find out a treatment option that suits you. There are pills, topical creams, cleansers and more. Remember; use such treatments only in consultation with your dermatologist.
Mild acne usually requires the patient to use a gentle facial cleanser and over the counter treatments whereas moderate and severe acne may require prescription medication. Severe acne may require hormone and retinoid treatments.
OTC medications for acne include acne cleansers, topical creams which contain benzoyl peroxide and creams which contain natural ingredients. Benzoyl peroxide works by unclogging blocked follicles and preventing excess oil secretion and bacterial growth. Acne cleansers can be used to wash your face once or twice a day. They remove excess oil, grime and dirt from the skin. Choose a mild cleanser which does not dry your skin too much.
Prescription medication for moderate or severe acne includes topical retinoids and antibiotics. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives which unblock pores and decrease oil secretion whereas antibiotics prevent bacteria from flourishing in blocked pores. Antibiotics commonly used for acne treatment are clindamycin and erythromycin. They effectively combat propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne.
Isotretinoin is used for very severe acne. It is chemically related to vitamin A and works by reducing the production of sebum. This is usually used when all other treatments fail. Isotretinoin is usually not used in combination with topical creams. Females with acne problems may be prescribed oral contraceptive pills which regulate hormones which are responsible for acne.
Hormone treatments, oral tetracyclines, topical retinoids and such medications are contraindicated during pregnancy because they are associated with an increased risk of birth defects.
Besides medications there are other physical procedures for acne treatment. These include:
• Chemical peels – Glycolic acid peels which dermatologist use to reduce acne.
• Comedo extraction – Extraction of whiteheads and blackheads using a pen like device. This procedure can be done only by an expert.
• Acne surgery – It involves draining and extracting the pus filled sores.
• Phototherapy – Light and laser treatments done to reduce acne. These treatments are more expensive than conventional methods.
Combine the treatment that your dermatologist recommends along with healthy diet, exercise and good hygiene and soon you will see those zits vanishing.
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