Acne is that kind of skin disorder, the causal and remedial factors of which are not yet fool proof. They are so varied in nature and associated physiological factors make them so complicated that the remedial measures also vary extensively from person to person. For this reason the approaches related with
acne treatment are also diversified in nature and extent. One method might be a boon for someone, and a disaster for yet another. It is found that in most cases over-the-counter medications or home remedies are effective for mild to moderate skin rashes, while severe nodulocystic cases need rigorous medical supervision and prescribed drugs for a better cure.
Almost all remedial methods are designed with an aim to open the blocked skin pores, heal up the inflammation, if any, prevent further emergence of skin rashes and repair acne scars.
Remedy for Non-inflammatory and Mild Inflammatory Acne
For blackheads, whiteheads, and mild inflammatory acne physicians generally recommend over-the-counter or prescribed topical medicines for a better handling and cure. Most of these
acne treatment medications are for external usage, which are applied directly on the affected skin lesion.
Commonly used topical medicines, which are available as OTC creams, solutions, gels, soaps, cleansers, and many other forms, are benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur, and the like. Most of the OTC topical medicines generally take as long as 8 weeks to show any visible outcomes. And in most cases, initial application of it might cause irritation or burning sensation. There might be other associated side effects also. Fortunately it is found that most of these troubles are temporary and they tend to diminish with regular usage of the product. However in rare cases it might persist or worsen, and in that case it is essential to consult the concerned dermatologist to decide about continuing the medicine and for substitute acne treatment measures.
Remedy for Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Acne
If acne worsens and packs of unmanageable inflamed nodules cover the entire skin surface, medical supervision is not only essential, but mandatory as well. Prescribed topical or oral treatment could be the best solution for these acne types.
Topical Medicines: A wide range of topical medicines including antibiotics, tretinoin, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid fall under this category. They are mostly targeted at preventing or weakening the bacterial growth and inflammation. Just as in OTC medicines, these prescribed topical medicines are also sold in the form of creams, gels, solutions, lotions, and the like. Patients are guided by the concerned physician regarding the application and dosage of these topical
acne treatment medications.
Once again like in topical OTC creams, the initial application might generate a worsened look, or even give rise to a few side effects like sensation of stinging, burning, peeling, and discoloration of the skin. In any case, an advice of continuing it for at least 4 to 8 weeks is usually given. Nevertheless, persistent troubles always need a medical intervention.
Oral Medicines: Antibiotics like erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, and its derivatives are broadly used by the dermatologists as oral acne treatment measures. Administration of these drugs always needs medical prescription. Patients are expected to follow their physicians’ instructions regarding the consumption of these drugs. Also there are some restrictions regarding the consumption of these drugs. For example, tetracycline is not suggested for pregnant women or women who are planning for pregnancy. Antibiotics are also liable to make one susceptible to a variety of side effects ranging from minor to major. Despite this fact, one is supposed to continue it as per the physician’s instructions since they show results only after a prolonged usage.
Remedy for Severe Acne
In worst cases of acne lesion, where the infection travels deep inside the skin layer and creates not only a horrible lumpy look, but also creates a risk of permanent scars, remedial measures are even more strict and rigorous. Isotretinoin or Accutane is the name that is cherished universally as an effective medicine for nodular or cystic
acne treatment. Apart from curing and preventing acne, Accutane also works like a wonder in removing acne scars. Unfortunately Accutane is not for pregnant women and birth control measures are mandatory as long as one is under Accutane consumption. In addition to the common physical side effects like itching, burning, nausea, nose bleeding and more, this medicine is liable to generate psychological side effects like depression.
There are still other methods which are widely followed by dermatologists all over the world. One such example is the use of contraceptive pills for women’s hormone induced acne. Surgical steps might also be essential in some stubborn and extreme cases of acne where other medications have failed to show any result.
