Adapalene helps in treating acne by modulating skin formation. It is an effective way to overcome acne both- topically and orally.

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Sodium sulfacetamide is a 'sulfonamide', which can be referred to as the earlier version of antibiotics. Before antibiotics and penicillin came into existence, it was used to cure acne. It is still used on skin for its antibacterial properties. It curbs the growth of P. Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne and thus prevents acne from taking shape. Just like Erythromycin, it is also used in various creams to cure various types of acne.

It is quite difficult to digest and people in a few rare cases have also died due to severe reactions to sulfonamides. Normal side effects include irritation, stinging and burning of the skin.

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in whole grain cereals and animal products. It is available in the form of cream or gel, normally applied twice daily. It helps the skin renew itself more quickly and prevent the buildup of cells that can plug pores, therefore reducing pimples and blackhead formation. It also helps to kill P. Acnes. It is particularly used to treat Pomade Acne along with other types of acne.

Its side effects are generally mild and short lived. The common ones include itching, burning, stinging, and tingling. Lightening of skin has also been reported in some cases of dark-skinned people.

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.

The common retinoids used to treat acne are:

* Isotretinoin
* Tazarotene
* Tretinoin

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 antibiotics 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.

Some of the common oral antibiotics used to treat acne are:

* Tetracycline
* Doxycycline
* Minocycline
* Clindamycin
* Erythromycin