There are a large number of acne treatments to choose from these days. These treatments can be classified into two different types, topical acne treatments (these are applied to the affected areas of the skin) and oral acne treatments which are medicines taken by mouth. Milder types of acne can often be treatable with over-the-counter products, but more aggressive types of acne may need treating with prescription medicines. It is advisable to start using the treatments as soon as possible, early treatment can make acne scars less likely to occur.

Topical Acne Treatments

These are usually creams which the patient applies to the affected areas of skin. Topical products include topical benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics. Topical benzoyl peroxide is most often used for treating mild to moderate types of acne, topical antibiotics can also be used for treatment of mild to moderate acne. Topical retinoids are frequently used in the treating of moderate types of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is frequently the best acne product to begin with as an acne treatment. It comes in a selection of different strengths and is most often applied to the affected areas twice daily. It can occasionally cause dry and irritated skin, applying the medication less frequently then building up to the full dose can often help to get around this problem.

Oral Acne Treatments

Oral acne treatments like antibiotics, retinoids, and hormone pills are used for cases of moderate to severe acne. Isotretinoin is often used in the treatment of severe cystic acne. The action isn’t completely understood yet, but it is believed to act by reducing the size of and the amount of sebum output by the sebaceous glands. Women who can become pregnant should not take this medication without contraception, since isotretinoin can have serious side effects on pregnant women and their unborn children.

Availability of Treatments

Benzoyl peroxide can normally be purchased over-the-counter. Topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics and hormone pills usually require a prescription.

Herbal Treatments

Many people favour the use of herbal acne treatments, of which there are several available. A few of these are:

-Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is said to have anti-bacterial properties and is normally applied topically when it has been diluted to a concentration of 5-15 per cent.

-Licorice Root Extract

Licorice root extract, like tea tree oil, is believed to have anti-bacterial properties.

-Olive Leaf Extract

Extracts of olive leaf also are believed to have anti-microbial properties.

-Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract has antioxidants and bioflavonoids which are believed to be useful in treating acne.

Nutritional Changes

It has been said that a change in a person’s daily diet can help to prevent outbreaks of acne. Reducing the intake of junk food and refined foods and increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables and wholefoods has been said to reduce acne. Increasing the consumption of zinc and antioxidants has also been purported as being useful in preventing acne.

See the author’s site for more information on which is the best acne treatment.

Many people try to self diagnose their acne without consulting a doctor. However, it is always a good idea to at least check with a dermatologist because you might have a skin condition or type of special or different that will react better to a different treatment. Even if it is acne vulgaris, with mild or moderate impairment, the doctor always gives valuable information and tips about how to treat it.

Mild or moderate acne can be treated with medicines often not prescribed, but severe cases of acne should be treated with drugs that require a prescription from a dermatologist. Even in moderate cases of acne, prescription drugs may be more effective than those available without prescription.

There are two types of acne treatments, using prescription drugs, the implementation of oral and topical use. Antibiotics are often used to combat acne, and can be taken either orally or applied through a lotion. The prescription drugs, which are topical, often include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids.

Antibiotics, the antibiotic most commonly used in treating acne is tetracycline. It is used to eliminate the bacteria responsible for the formation of acne and also helps reduce inflammation. Antibiotic treatment may take several weeks or even months to be effective and should be continued even after the acne has decreased. One side effect associated with tetracycline is increased sensitivity to sunlight and can cause sunburn and severe deeper than normal if the patient stays in the sun too long. Other side effects include stomach upset, dizziness and urticaria.

Women taking tetracycline may be an increased risk of vaginal fungal infections. Pregnant women and children under 12 years should not take tetracycline because discolor growing teeth.

Ointments and creams, antibiotic creams and ointments have fewer complications than oral antibiotics. These products are effective because they attack the bacteria that cause acne, and when used in conjunction with other topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, enhances its effect as the bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics.

Retinoids; Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and can be applied directly to the skin either by means of lotions or creams. The use of topical medicines that contain retinoids are useful for treating blackheads and white dots, as they work to help open clogged pores. A fairly common side effect is dry skin.

The use of oral retinoids is indicated for severe cases of acne, especially those who do not respond to other types of treatment. Andalusia taken oral retinoids, the top layer of skin peels which will open the pores. Another effect of retinoids is that helps the body to produce less sebum – the substance that causes oily skin.

There are several serious side effects associated with use of oral retinoids. One of them is that they can cause birth defects if mothers are taking retinoids pregnant, so women should use birth control methods while taking this medicine.

Retinoids can also cause liver damage and depression, so it is essential to have a regular health care, which can ensure that no patient is being adversely affected by treatment with retinoids.

Other medicines, contraceptive pills are sometimes effective in the treatment of acne in women. These medications affect levels of hormones in the body and can reduce acne that is caused by the reaction of the organism to the hormone testosterone.

Zinc is a relatively new treatment that has proved effective in some cases. Always check with your dermatologist to see what the most effective treatment for your particular.

There are ways and different types of acne, it is important to have accurate information about the types of acne that exist.

There are many forms and types of acne. From acne to mild and severe cases of acne from the typical lesions in the face to the acne that occurs in other parts of the body. Mild-moderate acne can usually be treated with products that are purchased without medical prescription, but severe cases is much better than dealing with health professionals, dermatologists in this case.

The most common type of acne is Acne Vulgaris which literally means “common acne”. This type of acne can cause blackheads, white, sprouts, pustules, nodules and cysts.

Shins occur because there are pores partially blocked. Tallow (the substance that makes the skin is oily), dead cells and bacteria slowly emerge to the surface of the skin, and black is caused by pigments that exist in the skin and are exposed to the surface shin. Getting shins disappear completely may take a long time.

White, unlike the shins, are produced by completely blocked pores, and injuries are under the skin. These pores trap completely blocked sebum, which as we know, joining the dead skin cells and bacteria to produce infection and hence the injuries.

Outbreaks; marks are usually reddish and small in size, causing discomfort and irritation to the skin. Despite his tender appearance and that can cause itching, it is important not to touch them or squeeze them because they often cause outbreaks brands that take a long time to disappear.

Pustules, the pustules are lesions that most people call pimples. Appear as a red circle with a white or yellow.

Nodules; This form of acne is a lot bigger. Touch hard, often stacked below the surface of the skin and is an injury that can be painful and last for several months. This type of acne is particularly vulnerable to manipulation and touching as it can leave marks, and is therefore highly advisable to treat with a dermatologist.

Cysts, cysts are similar to nodules, but differ in that fill with pus. It is also a painful injury and is likely to leave marks if left untreated. Nodules should always be treated by the medical specialist, ie by the dermatologist.

Acne conglobata; This is a relatively rare form of acne, its main effect is the defacing of some areas and can cause major psychological and physical harm. Large lesions form on the face, chest, the back, the buttocks, in the upper extremities and thighs and may be accompanied by numerous blackheads. Cause skin damage and permanent marks. It is more common in men than in women, is a condition that can persist for several years.

Acne fulminans, is a sudden onset of acne conglobata with fever and joint pain. This is usually with oral steroids.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis; This condition can be caused by a long-term treatment of acne with antibiotics. It is a bacterial infection which causes pustules and cysts.

Pyoderma Facial: This type of acne only affects women, usually between the ages of 20 and 40. Cause pustules, painful nodules and cysts on the face and can lead to the emergence of permanent marks. Are more cases in women who have never suffered from acne, and usually disappears within a year.

Acne Rosacea; This form of acne usually affects people over 30. Cause a red rash on the cheeks, the forehead, the nose and chin. And other grains can show alterations of the skin. Is documented more in women than in men, although men often have more severe symptoms. It is a way different to Acne Vulgaris and its treatment is also different.

Although mild or moderate acne is not a serious condition is a good idea to see a dermatologist if you find any lesions on your skin. Surely with a visit to the dermatologist will receive valuable information about the causes of acne and also learn what are the options for treatment. Moreover, there is a skin condition called keratosis pilaris is sometimes confused with acne, so a visit to the dermatologist can give quickly and easily what is really what you have, enabling them not to waste time with inappropriate treatments.

The effects of a mild or moderate acne can be treated effectively with medicines that are available without a prescription, but the most severe cases of acne require the attention of a doctor. Acne can cause not only physical but emotional and can cause permanent marks in both the skin and in the esteem of the people, if not treated adequately. As soon as it detects that your acne does not respond to treatment with medicines made from purchased without a prescription, it is essential to make a visit to the dermatologist to bring the treatment.

It’sa good idea to write down as much information as possible about your acne, and injuries have, in preparation for his first visit to the dermatologist. The doctor will want to know everything in detail, since when you have acne, what kind of injuries have (pimples, white spots, more serious injuries …) and what have you done so far to treat it. They may well ask if anyone in your family, parents or siblings who have suffered from acne, and how severe was the case, since it is a hereditary condition.

Since there are acne treatments that may include oral medications, should watch and discuss the doctor if you are allergic to certain medicines. In the case of women, is likely to request information about your menstrual cycle, and for men is a factor to consider how often you shave.

The dermatologist can offer various treatments and explaining a bit about the different options, all this so you can take a rational and informed decision. For example, the use of antibiotics aims to eliminate the bacteria that cause acne. Antibiotics can be taken orally or by topical lotion that is applied to the skin. The most severe cases may require use of both.

Topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid. These are usually prescribed in a gel and can cause dryness or reddening of the skin.

In severe cases of acne, it may recommend a physical treatment. These include the elimination of blackheads and white dots, and the drainage of cysts.

The most important aspect of treatment is followed to the letter the directions and recommendations given by your doctor. Do not take no more or less medication than those prescribed to him. If your acne diminish, continue the treatment by the time advised, as otherwise may reappear again.

Ask and leave no doubt you may have regarding your condition. Write your comments and questions to share with your dermatologist in your next. Some sample questions are:

What kind of treatment is best for me? When do you begin to see results? How long is the treatment? Are there side effects? How should I care for my skin? How can I prevent acne scars?

The treatment of severe acne may require several months. Every time you go to the doctor take the opportunity to clarify any questions or concerns you have about your acne or your treatment. Ideally you have enough information to be actively involved in their treatment of acne.

Mild or moderate acne is usually better with creams and ointments for topical use. The most severe cases of acne can be treated in a variety of alternatives, including antibiotics both orally and in topical creams, ointments are also used, and there is also the alternative to physical treatments, whether peeling, the drainage or chemical exfoliation.

Physical treatments must be performed by a dermatologist either exfoliation or other alternatives. Pop the kernels is a form of physical treatment, but it is a clear example of an unfortunate physical treatment.

As mentioned, the kernels explode all that occurs is that acne is extended, as the bacteria spread to neighboring areas, and can also create brands which are very difficult to remove. Physical treatments in controlled environments (in consultation with the doctor) decrease the risk of infection appears more or trademarks, and also increases the options for a better outcome with treatment.

Exfoliation

The first layer of skin or peel can be removed either by chemical means or by abrasion. In chemical peeling is used usually salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These products work by destroying a microscopic layer of skin cells, helping to unblock pores and remove dead growth of epithelial cells.

The same effect can be achieved using an abrasive cloth or a liquid applied in areas with lesions. Chemical treatments with glycolic acid is recommend every two to four weeks for a period of six months in the case of treatments with salicylic acid abrasion is more moderate and even included in the non-prescription medicines that can be purchased at any pharmacy . These medications can be used daily.

Extraction of blackheads and white dots

The comedones (blackheads and white dots) can be extracted by a dermatologist using sterile instruments. An anesthetic cream is applied around the area to be treated and then the comedones are extracted using a tool shaped like a pen, which opens the upper end of the lesion and allows the output and removing the dead cells that were stuck inside the pore, and the output of sebum.

As a complement to treatment is then applied an antibiotic cream to avoid any infection. It is important not to try this at home, bursting or squeezing the pimples, as this may cause a higher infection and which are permanent marks.

Drainage

Severe acne can sometimes result in the formation of cysts under the skin. These cysts can be painful and disfiguring his face. Smaller cysts can be treated with injections of cortisone to crush injuries in a couple of days. Larger cysts may need to be drained before it can be removed surgically. Drainage can help relieve pain associated with cysts and also reduces the possibility that the patient stay with brands.

This procedure is always done in consultation with the dermatologist sterile instruments. It is important not to try to repeat this process at home as it could cause a severe infection in the area manipulated, and also may cause marks to be made permanent.

Light and laser therapy

The light and laser therapy is sometimes used to fight bacteria that cause acne. It is especially useful for treating acne that develops in areas difficult to reach, but there is the problem that is only a short term solution because it does nothing to reduce the production of sebum or the accumulation of dead skin cells .

Laser therapy is useful for treating the scars caused by acne. Can be used for superficial scars level, and for brands that are located on a deeper level of epithelial tissue, which are caused by more severe cases of acne.

Much research is ongoing on the use of lasers for treating acne. Various approaches are being explored as possible, remove the bag of the follicle that produces hair, attacking the gland that produces sebum, or oxygen to form within the bacteria to thereby kill all bacteria present.

Not enough data to firmly assert that the treatment of acne through the laser will not cause any permanent damage to the skin, but it has been shown to be safe and good alternative.