Acne may not be a debilitating disorder but it is so annoying that it affects the individual’s sense of well-being. Acne results when the pores of the skin are clogged with oily secretion which will then develop into pimples, black and white heads; and even cyst. Cure for acne, such as, prescribed treatment often takes effect only after 4 to 8 weeks or sometimes makes the condition worse.
Your skin specialist or dermatologist may prescribe topical medication (applied to the skin) or oral medication (taken into the mouth). A pregnant woman should refrain from taking oral medicine.
Types of cure for acne:
Over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments.
OTC lotions are generally mild and gentle. Their active ingredients are basically, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or lactic acid. They are very effective for mild acne.
Side effects are: skin irritation, dryness and flaking.
Topical treatments requiring prescriptions.
If your acne doesn’t have positive reaction to OTC treatments, you need to get a prescription for a stronger topical medicine from your doctor. Stronger lotions are: Tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, Renova), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage).
These topical prescription products are obtained from vitamin A. They promote cell turnover and keeps oil from blocking hair follicles. Topical antibiotics have the potency of killing excess skin bacteria. Optimal result is achieved by a combination of these products.
Side effects are: stinging, burning, redness or peeling.
Antibiotics.
A short-termed prescription of oral antibiotics is good for mild, moderate to severe cases of acne. They reduced bacteria and ward off inflammation. To prevent antibiotic resistance of patients, doctors gradually withdraw the use of these drugs as soon there is an improvement.
Side effects are: an upset stomach, dizziness or skin discoloration. It also causes sensitivity of skin to the sun reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Isotretinoin.
Deep cysts d not respond to antibiotics. A stronger medication, Isotretinoin (Accutane) is able to scar cystic acne or other types of acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments. This is the most effective medicine for the most severe kind of acne. A prescription for the drug is required.
Side effects are: dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose and skin, as well as itching, nosebleeds, muscle aches, sun sensitivity and poor night vision. It increases levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and liver enzyme levels. To a certain extent, the drug heightens the risk of depression and suicide.
Oral contraceptives.
Oral contraceptives which combine norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol (Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen) improve women’s acne.
Side effects are: headaches, breast tenderness, nausea and depression. It also increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and blood clots.
Laser and light therapy.
Laser treatment is able to damage the oil (sebaceous) glands, reducing their oil production. Light therapy destroys the bacteria causing acne inflammation. They can improve the texture of the skin and makes the scars appeared less prominent.
Negative effects: Uncomfortable and severe sunburn on the skin.
Cosmetic procedures.
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are good alternatives to control acne. Combine other acne treatment with these cosmetic procedures for lasting effect.
Side effects: severe redness, scaling and blistering, and long-term discoloration of the skin. With this cure for acne, you do not need to suffer the consequences of this unpleasant skin malady.