Treatment of Moderate Acne

Acne is not a serious health treat but if you suffer with severe acne is should be treated since it can lead to disfiguring and permanent scaring. Acne can be cured if a holistic approach is taken towards attacking the cause and symptoms. Modern medicine is presently failing us in that they are just dealing with the symptoms, and as such I advise that you take a read of Acne and Your Nutrition.

Mild to moderate inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription oral and topical medications, alone or in combination. They also have to complement this regime with proper cleansing, and exfoliation regime.

As always it is important not to pick your acne since this will only open the skin to infection by bacteria. It can be done but it must be supervised by a trained health care professional.

Prescription Topical Acne Medicine

The topical acne medicines include:

Benzoyl Peroxide

Retionoid - Tretinoin

Retionoid - Adapalene

Azelaic Acid

Antibiotics

Antibiotics and azelaic acid has the ability to help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and therefore reduce inflammation. The retionoids, Tretinoin and Adapalene are altered forma of Vitamin A which has the ability to stop comedones i.e. blackheads and white heads. Retionoids works by unplugging the existing comedones which allows other topical medicines to be used such as antibiotics.

There are side effects to these topical medicines. They include initial worsening of the skins appearance before it improves, stinging, burning, redness, peeling and discoloration. These side effects should pass after 4 to eight weeks.

Prescription Oral Acne Medicine

Oral antibiotics are used for moderate to severe acne. They help by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Antibiotics frequently prescribed include:-

Tetracycline

Erythromycin

Minocycline

Doxycycline

Clindamycin

The side effects include but are not limited to dizziness, change in skin colour, sunburn and upset stomach. Also, Tetracycline should not be taken by pregnant women, and they are also known to reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

For more severe forms of acne accutane may be prescribed. Isotretinoin (Accutane by brand name) is typically prescribed for very severe acne. This medicine has the ability to reduce oil production, the clogging of bores and bacteria in the skin. It usually results in skin dryness, and for women who are trying to become pregnant; isotretinoin can lead o severe birth defects. Some studies also associate it with severe depression.

When considering treatments for more severe forms of acne, always discuss the potential side effects with a physician. Acne cannot be cured, but it can be effectively treated using any or all of these methods.

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