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Acne Treatment- Prescription Medications |
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Mild and moderate conditions of acne can often be
treated with over-the-counter medications, but severe cases should be
treated by a dermatologist and prescription medicine. Even if the acne
is moderate, a prescription medicine may be more effective than what is
available over-the-counter.
There are two types
of prescription acne medications -- oral and topical. Antibiotics are
often used to fight acne, and they can be taken orally or as a lotion.
Topical prescription medications may include ingredients such as zinc or
retinoids.
a) Antibiotics- The most common antibiotic used for
treating acne is tetracycline. It is used to kill the bacteria
responsible for acne and also reduces inflammation. Antibiotic treatment
may take several weeks or even months to be effective and must continue
even after the acne has cleared up. A common side effect associated with
tetracycline is increased sensitivity to sun light resulting in bad
sunburns if the patient stays in the sun too long. Other side effects
include upset stomach, dizziness, and hives.
Women taking
tetracycline can suffer from increased incidences of vaginal yeast.
Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 cannot take tetracycline
because it discolours growing teeth.
b) Ointments- Antibiotic
ointments have fewer complications than oral antibiotics. They are
effective in killing bacteria which cause acne, and when used in
conjunction with other topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide the
bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.
c)
Retinoids- Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and can be applied
directly on the skin in the form of lotions or creams. Topical retinoid
medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping
to open clogged pores. A common side effect of topical retinoids is dry
skin.
Oral retinoids can be used for more severe forms of acne
which don't respond to other treatments. Oral retinoids cause the upper
layer of the skin to peel thereby opening pores. They also cause the
body to produce less sebum – the substance which causes oily skin.
A
number of serious side effects are associated with oral retinoids. They
can cause birth defects if mothers are taking them when pregnant, so
females must use two forms of birth control if they are under retinoid
treatment. They can also cause liver damage and depression, so regular
medical attention is needed to make sure the patient is not being
adversely affected by retinoid treatment.
d) Other medications-
Birth control pills are sometimes effective in treating acne in women.
They change hormone levels in the body and can reduce the acne causing
effects of testosterone. Zinc is a relatively new treatment that is
effective in some cases. Always discuss with your dermatologist for the
most effective treatment for your particular case.
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