New Acne Medications 2012
Certain medications are used to address several problems that are possible
causes of
acne, such as:
- Abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles
- Increased oil production
- Bacteria
- Inflammation.
Depending on the extent of the person's acne, the doctor will recommend one
of several over-the-counter (OTC) medications or prescription medicines.
Prescription medications for acne may be topical (applied to the skin) or
systemic (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using multiple topical
medications or combining oral and topical medications.
Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical acne medication
for people with mild signs of acne. Topical medications are applied directly to
the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin.
Common topical OTC medications for acne include:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Resorcinol
- Salicylic acid
- Sulfur.
Each of these drugs works a little differently. Benzoyl peroxide is best at
killing Propionibacterium acnes bacteria and may also reduce oil
production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads
and whiteheads (see Types of Acne). Salicylic acid also
helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands.
Topical OTC acne medicines are available in many forms, such as:
- Gels
- Lotions
- Creams
- Soaps
- Pads.
In some patients, OTC medications for acne may cause side effects such as
skin irritation, burning, or redness. Some people find that the side effects
lessen or go away with continued use of the medicine. Severe or prolonged side
effects should be reported to the doctor.
OTC topical medications are somewhat effective in treating acne when used
regularly. Patients must keep in mind that it can take eight weeks or more
before they notice their skin looks and feels better.
Patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne may be treated with
prescription topical or oral medications, alone or in combination.
Several types of prescription topical medications are used for acne
treatment, including:
- Antibiotics
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Tretinoin
- Adapalene
- Azelaic acid.
Antibiotics and azelaic acid help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and
reduce inflammation. Tretinoin, a type of drug called a retinoid that contains
an altered form of vitamin A, is an
effective topical acne medication for stopping the development of new comedones
(basic acne lesions). It works by unplugging existing comedones, thereby
allowing other topical acne medications, such as antibiotics, to enter the
follicles. The doctor may also prescribe newer retinoids or retinoid-like drugs,
such as tazarotene
or adapalene, which help decrease comedo formation.
Like OTC topical medications, prescription topical medications for acne
come as creams, lotions, solutions, or gels. The doctor will consider the
patient's skin type when prescribing a product. Creams and lotions provide
moisture and tend to be good for people with sensitive skin. Gels and solutions
are generally alcohol based and tend to dry the skin. Therefore, patients with
very oily skin or those who live in hot, humid climates may prefer them. The
doctor will tell the patient how to apply the medication and how often to use
it.
Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical acne
medications. Initially, the skin may look worse before improving. Common side
effects include:
- Stinging
- Burning
- Redness
- Peeling
- Scaling
- Discoloration of the skin.
With some medications for acne, like retinoids, these side effects usually
decrease or go away after the medicine is used for a period of time. Patients
should report prolonged or severe side effects to their doctor. Between four and
eight weeks will most likely pass before patients see their skin improve.
For patients with moderate to severe acne, the doctor often prescribes oral
antibiotics (taken by mouth). Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne
by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Prescription oral and topical acne medications may be combined. For
example, benzoyl peroxide may be combined with clindamycin, erythromycin,
or sulfur. Other common antibiotics used as treatment for acne are:
- Tetracycline
- Minocycline
- Doxycycline.
Some people have side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as:
- An increased tendency to sunburn
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Changes in skin color.
Tetracycline is not given to pregnant women, nor is it given to children
under eight years of age because it might discolor developing teeth.
Tetracycline and minocycline may also decrease the effectiveness of birth
control pills. Therefore, a backup or alternative form of birth control may
be needed. Prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics may be necessary to achieve
the desired results.
Your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane® if other acne
treatments have not worked. Accutane (isotretinoin)
is an oral drug for acne that is usually taken once or twice a day with food for
15 to 20 weeks. It markedly reduces the size of the oil glands so that much less
oil is produced. As a result, the growth of bacteria is decreased. Accutane can
help prevent scarring and treat active acne.
Advantages of Accutane
Accutane is a very effective medication that can help prevent scarring.
After 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with Accutane, acne completely or almost
completely goes away in up to 90% of patients. In those patients where acne
recurs after a course of Accutane, the doctor may institute another course of
the same treatment or prescribe other medicines
Disadvantages of Accutane
Accutane
can also cause birth defects. It is important that you are not pregnant and do
not plan to get pregnant while taking this medicine for acne. Those who take
Accutane must use two methods of birth control at the same time. This is done
for one month before acne
treatment begins, during acne treatment, and for a full month after stopping
the drug. Talk with your dermatologist about when it's safe to get
pregnant.
Some people with acne become depressed by the changes in the appearance of
their skin. Changes in mental health may be intensified during cystic acne
treatment or soon after completing a course of medicines like Accutane. A doctor
should be consulted if a person feels unusually sad or has other symptoms
of depression, such as loss of appetite or trouble concentrating.
Other side effects of this acne drug may include:
- Dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose, or skin
- Itching
- Nosebleeds
- Muscle aches
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Poor night vision.
More serious side effects include changes in the blood and liver.
To make sure treatment with Accutane is stopped if side effects occur,
doctors monitor blood studies that are done before cystic acne treatment is
started and also periodically during treatment. Side effects usually go away
after the medicine is stopped
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