It is not an easy feat to cure acne permanently. For decades research workers are trying to find an easy and effective solution for this oftentimes harrowing skin disorder. Even though there is no magical treatment available that could cure any kind of acne, scientists have developed numerous acne medications which would individually target different pathogenic factors of acne. A slew of
topical bactericidal medicines have been developed just to blot out bacterial proliferation on the skin surface; this is one of the most important facet and core reason of this hideous skin disorder. Prominent over-the-counter bactericides, most frequently advised by dermatologists are benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and sodium sulfacetamide.
Benzoyl Peroxide
How it works: Benzoyl peroxide is the mainstay of the
topical bactericidal medicines. It is an organic chemical which acts as a radical initiator and triggers reaction with acne causing bacteria, Proprionibacterium acnes. It is being used as the major component for most of the over-the-counter topical medications to treat mild to moderate acne cases.
a) It is well known that P. acnes bacteria inflate clogged pores with the incorporation of excess sebum and dead follicular lining cells. Oxygen radicals dissociated from benzoyl peroxide react with aerotolerant P. acnes bacteria, removing them root and branch. This helps to diminish inflammation and to heal acne blemishes.
b) This
topical bactericidal medication also prevents further acne breakouts by expulsing malicious debris from clogged pores and clearing up the hair follicles.
How to use: Benzoyl peroxide is available in its generic form, or in the form of cream, cleansing agent, cleansing bar. Although these products contain benzoyl peroxide with a wide range of concentration values from 2.5 to 10%, you should start with a minimal 2.5% concentration to adapt with the chemical. Clean your affected area systematically with a suitable cleanser and apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide. Follow this procedure once or twice a day or as per dermatologist’s advice. It might take eight to twelve weeks to notice the optimum effect of this medication.
Side effects: Side effects might include slight dryness, mild irritation, allergic symptoms, reddishness, or discoloration of skin or fabric. These side effects are mild and could be averted through well planned acne treatment procedure.
Azelaic Acid
How it works: Azelaic acid is a natural antiseptic which is normally produced by the yeast Malassezia furfur. It is extremely useful as a
topical bactericidal medication and could be combined with some other oral therapeutic techniques to heal mild to moderate acne conditions. It belongs to the class of medications known as dicarboxylic acid. Azelaic acid works in two ways:
a) As a bactericide: It is efficient enough to root out the growth of P. acnes bacteria from pores and skin surface, thereby clearing out acne lesions and pimples and thwarting further acne breakouts.
b) Promoting keratolysis: It decreases and normalizes the production of keratin at the follicular cell lining. It stops the clogging of hair follicles through excess exuviation of dead skin cells. It also acts as a comedolytic agent.
How to use: This
topical bactericidal treatment is often available in the form of gel or cream usually with the strength of 20%. Apply a thin layer of this medication over the affected area after a thorough cleansing procedure of your skin with a suitable cleanser. To start with you can apply this medication one a day; however, after building up enough tolerance you may increase the frequency up to twice daily. You should accomplish the optimum output only after a constant use for six months.
Side effects: Although azelaic acid is nontoxic in nature and easily endurable for most of the users, it might show up some side effects for some patients. These include, stinging sensation, redness of skin, and dry skin. These are nominal and easily curable side effects which your physician would take care of. Otherwise seek immediate medical advice if these side effects are severe in your case.
Sodium Sulfacetamide
How it works: Sodium sulfacetamide is sulfur containing
topical bactericidal agent which acts in preventing P. acnes bacterial growth inside our skin pores protecting us from acne outbreaks.
How to Use: Follow the guidelines provided by your dermatologist. After a thorough cleaning of the affected area pat dry and apply in a thin layer over the skin. It might take several weeks before you could realize any improvement in your acne condition.
Side effects: Patients usually face simple side effects after using this
topical bactericidal treatment. These generally include allergic symptoms, skin rash, sores in the mouth, redness of the skin, and itching. Consult your physician in case you face any unusual or bothersome side effects.
