A Guide to Prescription Medications for Acne


There is a whole array of medications and therapies available to cure acne. Given below is a quick guide to some prescription medications for acne. The information would help you know what does acne medication do to your skin to treat acne. But these are prescription medicines so should be taken only under strict medical guidance.

Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A which is taken for 15-20 weeks, in the form of a pill. It is often prescribed for patients with severe nodular acne that do not respond to any other treatments. The use of Isotretinoin has resulted in permanent removal of acne in various cases. However, it has also been used to treat various mild to moderate forms of acne, depending on the condition of the patient.

The mild side effects may consist of dry skin, joint ache, muscle ache, dry nose and mouth, and cracked lips. However, one thing needs to be kept in mind; the use of Isotretinoin during pregnancy is strictly prohibited as it might lead to the birth of a deformed child.

Oral antibiotics (Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline)
Antibiotics are bacteria fighting agents. Oral antibiotics are taken in pill form usually once a day. They help stop the growth of P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, and hence prevent acne. Pomade Acne, Infantile acne, Acne Conglobata, Acne Fulminans, Pyoderma Faciale, Nodulocystic acne are some types of acne that can be cured with the help of oral antibiotics. Tetracycline also has an anti-inflammatory effect and is therefore, prescribed for the patients of Rosacea.

Some antibiotics negate the effect of birth control pills and therefore, the women using them, might require the aid of other birth control measures. They may also result in increased sensitivity to sunlight, in which case, exposure to the same might cause rash, itchiness, or redness. Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, or light-headedness are some of the other side-effects.

Oral contraceptives
Birth control pills, notably Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which contains progesterone and estrogen decreases testosterone levels, which in turn decreases the severity of acne in women. Studies claim that about 50 % of the lesions are reduced. They are also used to cure several types of acne depending on the condition of the sufferer.

You should not smoke while using oral contraceptives as this might lead to serious heart diseases. There are many negative side effects as well as positive side effects of taking birth control pills for acne. A consultation with your doctor can provide you with the best answer.

Tazorotene
Tazorotene is a vitamin A derivative which is applied to the skin once a day. It is quite effective in curing various types of acne like Pomade Acne, with no specifications, depending on the condition of the patient. How it works towards improvement of acne is still to be discovered, but the results show a 50 % success rate in treating acne.

Being a retinoid, tazorotene should not be used by women, who are pregnant because of potential harm to the fetus. Exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Wind or cold might become more intolerable, while taking Tazorotene. The normal side-effects include peeling skin, burning, stinging, dry skin, redness, and itchiness.

Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a retinoic acid and Vitamin A acid combined, which comes in the form of various creams, gels, and liquids to be used on the skin. It is usually applied once a day. It helps clean the pores by unplugging the follicles and also increases the speed at which skin cells are replaced on the surface. It is also used to treat various mild, moderate and severe types of acne, depending on the condition of the sufferer.

The initial stages of taking Tretinoin may witness worsening of acne. It makes you more sensitive to sun and heat. Consultation with a doctor is recommended because when in combination with sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid, it may lead to excessive irritation. Normal side effects include excessive redness, crusted, or blistered skin.

These are the various medications available to pull you out of your acne woes. But, it is normally recommendable to use any of them under medical guidance as nearly all these medicines are quite strong and may have severe side effects. A timely treatment under an efficient dermatologist can minimize the problem as well as prevent scars that usually are a result of uncared or over-cared for acne.

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