Guide To Effective Acne Treatments

Antibiotics

Oral and topical antibiotics are incredible when it comes to treating acne caused by bacteria. They are antitoxins, which gives them the ability to get rid of bacteria. They also help reduce inflammation and redness. These are quite common in bacterial acne like cystic and nodular acne. When a patient is prescribed oral antibiotics, they are normally on a course of 3 to 6 months to treat their acne. A course of topical antibiotics is similar.

Because of how powerful antibiotics are, and to avoid resistance, doctors and dermatologists usually only recommend them when other treatments have failed. One of the more popular antibiotics for acne is clindamycin. This is often found in combination with benzoyl peroxide as a prescription acne cream. Patients must follow their doctor’s instructions for the best results when using antibiotics for acne.

Get the details on what powerful medication is brought in for severe acne treatment next.

Isotretinoin

When individuals are suffering from extreme acne, the most powerful treatment out there is a medication known as isotretinoin. It is most well-known as the brand Accutane. This medication is specially formulated to treat acne, including severe cystic acne. It is also said to help with acne scarring. Isotretinoin falls into the medication class of retinoids, which are synthetic versions of vitamin A.

This medication works by reducing the skin’s production of sebum, a natural oil. It also changes the sebaceous gland’s size. Research has proven this medication can reduce the production of sebum by as much as 90 percent. This shows it is certainly powerful stuff. Of course, patients must have a prescription and have to follow their doctor's instructions exactly. They are also not allowed to take vitamin A supplements when taking isotretinoin. Pregnant women are not allowed to take this medication either.

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