Prescription Medications for Treating Acne
A variety of prescription medications are used today to clear acne. Topical (applied to the skin) medications may be prescribed for mild to severe acne. Systemic (works internally) therapy is needed to treat severe acne and may be used for moderate cases. These medications, which play an important role in acne treatment, attack the different factors that lead to acne. To achieve long-term control and resolution, dermatologists may combine therapies. The following describes the prescription medications used in the United States to treat acne:
Interlesional Corticosteroid Injection
When an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed, there is a good chance that it will rupture and scarring may result. To treat these severely inflamed cysts and prevent scarring, dermatologists may inject such cysts with a much-diluted corticosteroid. This lessens the inflammation and promotes healing. An interlesional corticosteroid injection works by "melting" the cyst over a period of 3 to 5 days.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a potent oral retinoid that is reserved for treatment of very severe cystic acne and severe acne that has proven itself resistant to other medications. For more information about isotretinoin, see Treating Severe Acne.
Oral Antibiotics
For patients with moderate to severe and persistent acne, oral antibiotics have been a mainstay of therapy for years. Like topical antimicrobials, oral antibiotics work to reduce the P. acnes population (a contributing factor in acne), which, in turn, decreases inflammation. Treatment with oral antibiotics usually begins with a higher dosage, which is reduced as acne resolves. Generally, antibiotics are prescribed for six months or less.
Over time, the P. acnes bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic being used to treat it. When resistance occurs, acne is no longer controlled. Another antibiotic or alternative treatment can be prescribed. Numerous studies support the effectiveness of the following oral broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are used to treat acne in the United States:
Erythromycin. It is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including P. acnes. The most common side effect is irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Tetracycline and derivatives. Tetracyclines reduce the papules and pustules (inflammatory lesions) of acne. These medications should not be taken by children younger than 8 years of age because they can affect growth and stain teeth. They should also not be taken by a woman who is pregnant or breast feeding. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, tetracyclines can affect the development of the child’s bones and teeth, leading to skeletal defects.
A typical tetracycline regimen for treating moderate to severe acne starts with a dose of 500 to 1000 milligrams a day, which is decreased as improvement occurs. Long-term, low-dose tetracycline therapy may be continued for many months to suppress acne. Higher doses may be prescribed for very severe acne.
Two synthetic derivatives of tetracycline used to treat acne are doxycycline and minocycline. Doxycycline proves especially effective in treating inflammatory acne. It can cause sun sensitivity in some patients. Minocyline has a long history of use in treating acne. It is often effective in treating acne that has not responded to other oral antibiotics. Minocycline also seems to produce fewer incidents of antibiotic resistance.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives have been shown to effectively clear acne in women by suppressing the overactive sebaceous glands and can be used as long-term acne therapy. However, oral contraceptives should not be prescribed to women who smoke, have a blood-clotting disorder, are older than 35 or have a history of migraine headaches—without the advice of a gynecologist.
Topical Antimicrobials
Topical antimicrobials work to inhibit the P. acnes populations and are used to treat patients with mild to moderately severe inflammatory acne. They may be used alone or combined with a medication that works on another factor that leads to acne aside from P. acnes. A dermatologist can determine whether a topical antimicrobial is appropriate for a patient and if so which topical antimicrobial should be prescribed. Prescription topical antimicrobials used to treat acne vulgaris in the United States include:
Azelaic acid. Naturally occurring in the skin, azelaic acid is used to treat mild to moderate inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. It is believed that azelaic acid clears acne by reducing the populations of P. acnes, decreasing the abnormal shedding of skin cells and reducing inflammation. This medication has also proven effective in treating the dark spots that develop in some acne patients with skin of color. Azaleic acid is well tolerated by most people and can be safely used for years. Side effects may include skin dryness and lightening of the skin where applied.
Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing P. acnes. However, it does not have anti-inflammatory abilities. It is available in a wide range of strengths and can be found as a gel, lotion, cleanser, cream and wash. Many acne preparations include benzoyl peroxide because research shows that benzoyl peroxide increases the effectiveness of some medicines, such as erythromycin and clindamycin. When used in combination with antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide also reduces the likelihood of a patient developing resistance to the antibiotic. The most common side effects are skin irritation, the potential to bleach hair and fabrics as well as possible allergic reaction.
Clindamycin. A semi-synthetic antibiotic, topical clindamycin has a long history of successfully treating acne. It works by reducing P. acnes and decreasing inflammation. In topical form, clindamycin has proven safe and is well tolerated. Skin dryness and irritation are possible side effects. It is important to use as directed to decrease bacterial resistance that can occur with antibiotic use.
Erythromycin. This topical antibiotic is active against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including P. acnes. Topical erythromycin, which is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, is used primarily to treat acne. When topical erthyromycin is combined with benzoyl peroxide, the combination proves to be quite effective as the patient gets the effects of two antimicrobial agents. Like topical clindamycin, erythromycin may cause skin dryness and possible irritation. It is important to use as directed to decrease bacterial resistance that can occur with antibiotic use.
Sodium sulfacetamide. A topical antibiotic that inhibits P. acnes and opens clogged pores, sodium sulfacetamide is effective in treating inflammatory acne. Many products containing sodium sulfacetamide include sulfur. Some patients do not like the smell of the sulfur or its grittiness. Usually, the newer products that contain sulfur do not have these problems.
Topical Retinoids
Prescribed to treat acne ranging from mild to moderately severe, topical retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A and considered a cornerstone in acne treatment. Retinoids work to unclog pores and prevent whiteheads and blackheads from forming. Topical retinoids can irritate the skin and increase sun sensitivity so it is important to use sun protection and follow the dermatologist’s directions to maximize effectiveness. An added benefit in using topical retinoids is that they may help diminish the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Topical retinoids currently prescribed for acne treatment in the United States include:
Adapalene. A synthetic retinoid applied as a gel or cream, adapalene unclogs pores and possesses moderate to potent anti-inflammatory abilities. Improvement is usually seen in 8 to 12 weeks. Side effects include minor skin irritation and dryness.
Tazarotene. A synthetic retinoid available as a gel or cream, it works to keep the skin’s pores clear and has proven effective in treating acne. This medication should not be used by women who are pregnant, and effective contraception is needed while taking tazarotene because the medication has produced birth defects in animals. Skin irritation is a possible side effect.
Tretinoin. The first retinoid developed for topical use, tretinoin is a natural retinoid. It works to gradually unclog pores and keep them unplugged. In the past, many patients found tretinoin too harsh for their skin; however, the newer forms are proving less irritating. Side effects include redness, scaling, dryness, itching and burning. If these occur, talk with the dermatologist who prescribed tretinoin as these side effects can be managed by adjusting the amount applied and when it is applied.
Reference:
Thiboutot, D. “New Treatments and Therapeutic Strategies for Acne.” Archives of Family Medicine 2000: 9:179-187.
2007-08-06 07:04:39
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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2016-05-27 01:33:17
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answer #2
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answered by ? 3
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Dry and/or greasy skin due to poor oil composition of the skin. Thick greasy oils clog pores, lack of oil leads to dryness and irritation. You need thin oils to moisturize while dissolving and clearing gunk in your poors. Try fish oil or seafood. 2 tsp fish oil a day or 4 servings of seafood a week. Stick it out for at least 2 months; it will take a long time to replace all your oil. Any effect after 1-2 days is temporary or random; so even if it makes you break out a little at first, you haven't given it a full try yet.
In the short term you can wash and moisturize well, but that will only go so far. Plus excessive washing can be drying and excessive moisturizing can be clogging. Use a small amount of a light moisturizer, made with oil not jelly or grease. Often that means soybean oil or mineral oil. Mineral oil means mined from the ground. So soybean oil is usually better, though mineral oil won't cause too much harm. Clean with soap and water, not a harsh acne cleanser. Even then they only work so well. So you really need the seafood.
Antibiotics aren't really good for bacteria long term, they'll come back in force after. Short term they may help. After you get off them find some kefir with acidophilus listed first or 2nd to replace the friendly bacteria they destroyed. Studies show less illness when you have these bacteria, even outside the stomach in places such as the lungs and elsewhere. You want friendly bacteria to fill the void when the antibiotics stop, not harmful ones.
In the short term you might also try 100,000+ iu retinol vitamin A (a megadose, and too much for normal use) or one of the acne drugs that is similar to retinol vitamin A. It's some minor harm to your organs, but it helps against bacteria on your skin. At least it doesn't have the other long term drawbacks to your skin that antibiotics and many scrubs do.
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2016-05-16 14:09:21
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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From my own experience as a skin care consultant and make-up artist any product that deals with acne from inside and out. Not just a single product that you apply on the skin!!!
Let me explain why.
Acne is a problem inside the skin, so deep that no product can't reach the caught bacteria in clogged pores. If a pore is clogged and bacteria is under the clogged spot, isn't it logical that no product can reach it?
Yes, products like Proactive do clear up acne. But does it also kill all the bacteria that's trapped inside? Does it help your glands to produce less oil so that pores don't get clogged again? No.
A single product can't do the whole thing. Of course, when I treat acne I want to get rid of it permanently. I don't like if same people would bug me every few months that their acne is back and what should they do now.
Once I help with acne, I don't need to treat again because it's gone forever.
And to threat acne for good. You need to deal with it the proper way. Usually it takes some changes in your lifestyle. Acne certainly means something in your body isn't working right. Either it is hormonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle or too much stress.
Proper nutrition is essential. Daily workout is essential. Reducing stress is a must. It's our life! Acne shows something in our LIFE is wrong, not just the skin.
ClearPores is great product. Actually you get 3 products in one package. Two great lotions and a herbal supplement that gives you the right nutrition to fight acne from inside. Also helps sebaceous glands to produce less oil so it prevents further pore clogging and eventually works as a permanent acne solution.
Link to ClearPores:
http://www.clearpores.com/clicks/clickthrough.html?a=148622
Don't forget the healthy lifestyle. Getting rid of acne for ever means better health, happy life. That's one of the most precious things we can achieve!
2007-08-07 19:35:53
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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that's a tough one. different things work for different people, and if you have sensitive skin that's acne prone (like I do), it's very difficult to find something that works.
i don't use any products that are not all natural, BECAUSE i have sensitive skin & i don't want to irritate it more w/ something that contains chemicals. i tried proactiv, but my skin was way too sensitive to use it cause it irritates it super bad & dries my skin out horribley.
anyway, acne is a condition that goes far beyond just the skin ... it has a lot to do w/ what you're putting IN your body & it's proven that grain/bread causes acne. so the best thing to do to cure it (not just treat it) is to cut out grains from your diet, drink plenty of pure water, and exercise (to sweat toxins out). you may even need to do a colon cleanse to get rid of all the gunk that may be lying in your intestines & colon.
as for products to use ... i use Burt's Bees. it helps.
2007-08-06 07:05:04
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answer #5
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answered by mrs sexy pants 6
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I tried many while growing up with no luck. You may be breaking out beacause of the aloe or other perfumes and chemicals, like I did. It wasnt until I simply started using just water that my acne cleared up. I still continue to use it now (22yrs.), with no soaps or cleaners. Just wash with a face cloth in the morning and at night.
2007-08-06 07:02:52
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answer #6
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answered by lida 2
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that's not a joke, but your own urine is the best product.
must be always of fresh ones. p*ss in a cup or something and tap carefully your acne with cottonpads.
thankgod i had never had acne, but know a person who did that and worked. he also didn't have marks after his years of acne passed. he was saying more the itchiness more effectively is killing acne. but don't scratch of course.
anyway it's free to try it out.
2007-08-06 07:12:25
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answer #7
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answered by sup 4
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A lot people say Proactiv, if not use loreal paris acne product package
2007-08-06 06:58:33
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answer #8
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answered by [[Terinbby.]] 3
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i went to my doctor last friday and she gave me great products that can help my acne in about 2 months. go to ur doctor cause i used over the counter creams and i started breaking out, i wished i had gone before.
2007-08-06 07:01:45
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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use a bar soap for sensitive skin, your acne treatment, and then follow with moisturizer for sensitive skin. Make sure it's non-comodegenic so it doesn't clog your pores. Do this once in the morning and once before bedtime.
2007-08-06 07:17:53
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answer #10
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answered by jljohans 2
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pure 100 percent organic and natural coconut oil, just put on face every day after a shower or swim. it also helps with just not acne, but wrinkles and aging!!
2007-08-06 06:57:57
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answer #11
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answered by Anonymous
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