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Acne – Treatments and Medications

Treatments Options for Acne - Cosmetic Procedures, Laser and Light Therapy, Dermabrasion, Topical Medications, Prescription Medications, Antibiotics, Oral Contraceptives. Medications include Adapalene like Differin, Tretinoin like Avita, and Retin-A.

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Treatments and Medications for Acne

New York (USA), June 19, 2013

Treatments Options for Acne

Cosmetic Procedures: These include micro-dermabrasion and chemical peels. These are most effective in reducing facial scars. Although they cause blistering, scaling, temporary or severe redness, and sometimes long-term skin discoloration of skin, they are commonly used. Chemical peels treatment involves application of strong acids to remove top layer and lighten deeper scars. In micro-dermabrasion, doctors blow crystals over your skin through a hand-held device to graze skin surface. Thereafter a vacuum tube removes skin cells and crystals. However, scars do not clear away completely.

Laser and Light Therapy: This is recommended only if you cannot tolerate acne medications. This therapy reaches inner layers of skin without harming skin surface. It restricts oil production by sebaceous glands and kills inflammation-causing bacteria. This therapy is very uncomfortable and causes skin burns similar to severe sunburns.

Dermabrasion: This treats very severe acne. Dermabrasion uses a fast-rotating wire brush to remove top layer of skin. Side effect includes severe pigmentation.

Medications for Acne

Topical Medications: These medications available over the counter are mild in nature. These lotions contain sulfur, resorcinol, benzyl peroxide, or salicylic acid as the major ingredient. They kill bacteria, dry away oil, and peel off dead skin cells. They cause mild side effects like skin flaking, dryness, and associated irritation. However, condition improves within the first month of treatment.

Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter applications do not improve your condition, try medications prescribed by your dermatologist. Common prescription medications include Adapalene like Differin, Tretinoin like Avita, Retin-A, and Tazarotene like Tazorac, Avage, and others. These encourage cell development and prevent hair follicles from clogging.

Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor reduce inflammation and fight off bacteria. Antibiotics are strong medications and cause various side effects like dizziness, upset stomach, skin discoloration, burning or stinging sensation on skin, redness and peeling away of skin. Nonetheless, doctors prescribe antibiotics for severe acne. Do not take oral prescription medications for acne if you are pregnant.

Oral Contraceptives: A combination of oral contraceptives improves acne condition in women. However, it causes many side effects like nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, high blood pressure, depression, blood clots, and increased risk of heart disease.

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Written By:
Dr. Marilyn Thompson