Acne Treatment
 What Are the Treatments for Acne?
The best treatments for acne inhibit sebum production, limit bacterial growth, or encourage shedding of skin cells to unclog pores. Because many therapies can have important side effects, any patient with acne should proceed with caution when trying a new treatment. People with severe, persistent cases of acne need the care of a dermatologist.
Nonprescription Treatments
Benzoyl peroxide - For mild acne, you may try, or your doctor may recommend, treatment with a nonprescription medicine that contains benzoyl peroxide. It's believed that this compound works by destroying the bacteria associated with acne. It usually takes at least four weeks to work and it must be used continuously to keep acne at bay until you outgrow getting acne.
Salicylic acid - On the skin, salicylic acid helps to correct the abnormal shedding of cells. For milder acne, salicylic acid helps unclog pores to resolve and prevent lesions. It does not have any effect on sebum production and does not kill bacteria.
Prescription Treatments
Antibiotics may be used on top of the skin (topical) or taken orally (systemic). Antibiotics work by clearing the skin of acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. There are several topical products available in creams, gels, pads, and lotions. Topical antibiotics are limited in their ability to penetrate the skin and clear more deep-seated acne, whereas systemic antibiotics circulate throughout the body and into sebaceous glands.
- Azelex
- Finacea
- Finevin |
- Erythromycin
- Clindamycin
- Klaron |
- Tetracycline
- Minocycline
- Doxycycline |
|
information gathered from WebMD
|
