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.
