Acne Medications
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.
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