How To Choose Effective Acne Medicine

Whether someone is suffering from non-inflammatory or inflammatory acne, sufferers will tell you that it is no laughing matter. Fortunately, help is always available. The severity of the acne would determine which treatment would be the most suitable. A wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, mainly for mild acne, is available.

Antibacterial cleansers: Most of the antibacterial cleansers contain Triclosan, which kills germs on the skin. While this is usually used to prevent pimples and acne, a side effect may be a dry skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Available in lotions and creams, Benzoyl Peroxide kills pimple-causing bacteria on the skin. It is available in different strengths, like 2.5, 5 and 10%. The highest level of 10% should not be used on sensitive areas like facial skin since it can cause irritation of sensitive skin.

Salicylic Acid: Salicylic Acid eliminates white and blackheads; it unclogs pores and is very effective in the prevention of pimples.

Alpha-hydroxy Acids: Derived from natural acids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids is not a bacteria killer, but removes dead skin cells. Look for beta-hydroxy acid and tri-alpha hydroxy acid.

If acne does not improve after a couple of month's use of over-the-counter drugs, you should see a dermatologist. Everybody is different, and your form of acne may be particularly aggressive, where typical OTC (Over The Counter) acne medicine may not be sufficient. By prescribing specific drugs, a dermatologist can offer treatment that is more aggressive. It is especially important to see a dermatologist if acne scars develop.

Topical Antibiotics

For moderately severe acne, antibiotics like erythromycin and clindamycin also kill bacteria on the skin. It is available in astringents, creams lotions and gel. There is less chance of side effects, as it is not absorbed into the bloodstream.

Oral Antibiotics

With oral antibiotics such as erythromycin, tetracycline and minocycline it can take a few months before improvement is visible. Treatment might also have to be continued for a number of years. The high cost of some of these antibiotics, as well as the fact that bacteria can develop a resistance is definite drawbacks. Other side effects could be sun sensitivity.

Accutane is a very powerful, very expensive drug. It is normally used in very severe cases of acne, which did not respond to other treatments. Treatment lasts 16 weeks and blood tests have to be done during treatment. Accutane kills bacteria and decreases the size of oil glands. A common side effect is very dry skin. Since Accutane has been possibly associated with birth defects, it is very important that women who receive treatment with Accutane take precautions against pregnancy.

Retinoids

Retin A, Avita, Differin and Tazorac are all excellent treatments. Unclogging follicles and restoring oil flow, they also helps to fade lesions. Some people find that their skin's condition worsens before it gets better. It also sometimes takes weeks before improvement is visible. It is advisable to cover the skin when using retinoids as sunlight could lessen effectiveness.

Hormone Treatment

Cortisone injections, which reduce inflammation, can be used as another treatment. Other medications to restore hormonal imbalances in men and women can also be effective.

Chemical skin peeling is sometimes necessary in cases where healed lesions on the skin left deep acne scars.

Although research is still being done to establish its effectiveness as an acne treatment, Tea Tree Oil, with its antibiotic properties, is considered by many people as a natural acne medicine.

By: Jon Arnold

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