The most challenging and intriguing job in dealing with acne is selecting the right medication. Modern market of skin care medication is flooded with innumerable types of topical and oral medicines some of which are antibiotics, and some are herbal and the list goes on. Therefore, picking up the perfect
acne medicine out of them is the most difficult challenge to surmount. All medications are not recommended for everyone, nor are they equally effective on all patients to bring about a desirable result, even the risks of adverse outcome and unpredictable side effects are there. Also it depends to a large extent on the severity and extent of inflammation.
Selecting OTC Medicines
Some of these medications are available over the counters which do not require any doctor’s prescriptions. Most of them are meant for external application. Medicines like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic are a few examples of most popular topical bactericides. These topical OTC
acne medicines tend to take a long time to cure which might extend up to 8 weeks to show a desirable impact. Besides, these medicines, especially benzoyl peroxide, are liable to generate dryness of the skin and even irritation and burning sensation in the affected area after initial application. In most cases it is found that these complications disappear after prolonged use. Topical OTC medication is not recommended for patients with moderate and severe acne. However it works efficiently on mild acne, blackheads, whiteheads, etc.
Selecting Antibiotics
If you are suffering from moderate or severe acne, then the available treatments for them are entirely different and require medical assistance. Often these
acne medicines are not sold over the counter, which means, they are prescription medicines. They come both in oral as well as topical form. Most of these medicines are antibiotics. Erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, etc. are few of such antibiotic drugs which are extensively used for acne medication. For topical application, they are available in the form of lotions, creams, solution and the like. Antibiotic side effects constitute a wide range from minor to major. Major side effects could turn even more critical and some of them are extremely dangerous for pregnant women or those who are planning to conceive. Erythromycin and tetracycline fall under this category which might even result into serious birth defects. This is why they are not prescribed during pregnancy or even for breast feeding women. Some of the antibiotic
acne medicines are liable for augmenting sun sensitivity. Topical oil-free mild sunscreen creams or lotions are advised to do away with such side effects. Nausea, digestive problems, redness of the skin are some of the common side effects associated with this type of medications. Sometimes additional medication is also required to suppress the side effects. Considering these facts, the selection and administration of antibiotic
acne medicines must be done with great caution and strictly under the supervision of an experienced medical practitioner only.
Selecting Retinoids
Rigorous medical intervention is required also in case of severe acne. Since these are the worst case of acne outbreak, administration and handling of proper medication is even more complex than any other case. The most unique
acne medicine that is used universally by dermatologists is Accutane or isotretinoin.
Accutane falls under the category of oral retinoids. Retinoids are most effective medicines for unclogging skin pores and releasing the trapped sebum. Since we all know that clogging of pores and overactive oil glands are the main factors behind acne formation, therefore clearing the pores is one of the primary steps needed for doing away with this persistent skin disorder.
Accutane, which is derived from vitamin A, works best for large and inflamed nodulocystic acne. Severe acne not only requires an intensive care and treatment, but the physical and psychological impact of the frightening scars it leaves on one’s skin, are too difficult to be handled by anything else with so much expertise as Accutane. Although it is well-known for its immense anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potency, Accutane is likely to generate serious physical and psychological side effects. Alarming physical side effects like might also occur. It is strictly prohibited for pregnant women or those who are trying to conceive. The most threatening psychological side effect caused by this
acne medicine is depression. Considering the side effects and the complexity of nodulocystic acne, it is advisable to administer it with maximum precaution and care. It does not need to be mentioned that such a complicated drug needs careful assistance of a well qualified dermatologist.
Just like oral retinoids, topical retinoids are also available in the market, which also carry massive potentials to perform similar tasks like oral retinoids. However admistration of these drugs always require greater caution and medical supervision. Therefore, it is suggestible to follow the instructions of the concerned medical practitioner carefully regarding the application and dosage before administering them.
