Acne Medication

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Acne Medication

So you have tried everything to get rid of acne, and it is looking as if using acne medication is the only solution left to deal with your acne papules, pimples, cyst and other acne lesions.

Where do you start?

A qualified skin doctor – a dermatologist – is the first port of call. However, you should still have some idea of what sort of acne medication is on offer and what sort of effect certain treatments will have.

Over the counter medication are usually milder and do not contain antibiotics and other chemicals to get rid of bacteria; whereas prescription acne medication will give you that little extra to remove more severe acne.

Some common over the counter topical acne medication:

Salicylic Acid :

A natural source of salicylic acid can be found in the plant White Willow and has been known for centuries to ease aches and pains and even reduce fever. Its chemical make up resembles closely the aspirin.

As an acne cure, it causes the surface cells of the skin to shed more easily, destroy bacteria in the clogged pore and minimize the pore size so that further infections cannot occur. It also helps to generate new cells.

The FDA recommends protecting the skin from the sun whilst using products with salicylic acid.

Benzoyl Peroxide :

Discovered in the 1920s that it can treat acne, benzoyl peroxide is used as a topical cream or gel to treat acne. It is recommended to use a concentration of 2.5% to begin with, and slowly build the concentration up to 5% and 10% after the skin has had time to develop a tolerance.

Benzoyl Peroxide works by drying and clearing the pores of bacteria and accelerating cell renewal.

Resorcinol :

Resorcinol is a chemical compound that has antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Used usually for more severe skin ailments such as eczema and psoriasis, at a small dose of 2% or less of concentration, resorcinol is also an effective acne medication.

Below is a list of common prescription acne medication :

Clindamycin :

A class of antibiotic, Clindamycin is most effective against aerobic (requiring oxygen) and anaerobic (not requiring oxygen) bacteria infections.

When applied topically, it can help fight acne and  is most effective when used together with Benzoyl Peroxide or Adapalene (a retinoid).

Erythromycin :

An antibiotic that is similar to penicillin, it is best used as an ointment, cream or gel to treat acne.

Tetracycline :

Tetracycline is also a form of antibiotic to fight against bacterial infections. It is used to treat acne and also rosacea. Its side effects include teeth discoloration, and should not be taken by pregnant women.

Tretinoin :

Tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin A and is known more commonly by the acne medication  Retin A. Tretinoin also treats keratosis pilaris (rough bumps on the skin that looks like chicken skin) and has been shown to slow down the skin’s aging process.

Side effects include itching, redness and a burning sensation. It is essential whilst using Retin A to follow your dermatologist’s recommendations carefully and avoid the sun. As Tretinoin thins the skin, waxing should also be avoided.

Important note: Do NOT use or take any of the drugs above without first consulting a qualified doctor. This post is for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as acne medical advise.

See Herbs – The Natural Acne Treatment and acne-vitamins-eat-right-to-get-rid-of-acne-2

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