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There is a whole array of medications and therapies
available to cure acne. Here are a few other prescription medications to
help you cure acne. But, you should remember that they are required to
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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