For those of you who have not been able to adequately control your acne, there are treatments and medicines your doctor or dermatologist can help you with:
• Medicines that are applied directly to the effected skin like antibiotics and antibacterial medicines including: includeerythromycin, clindamycin (Benzaclin, Duac), sulfacetamide (Klaron), and azelaic acid (Azelex).
• A product called Retin-A (tretinoin), which has been around for years and is very effective. There are many different types including: adapalene (differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). These are great for helping to unclog pores. There may be some irritation and greater sensitivity to sunlight when using these products. Recently the FDA has approved a gel called Epiduo, which is a benzoyl peroxide and adapalene mix. This gel has been approved for patients over 12 years old.
• Tetracycline is a pill that is taken orally and has been highly effective in fighting acne. Tetracycline is related to doxycycline and minocycline, which also help with acne. Cefadroxil and amoxicillin are other oral antibiotics that help with acne as well.
• There may be some side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, and increased sun sensitivity. Doxycycline may cause an increased sunburn risk and irritation of the esophagus that causes irritation when you swallow.
• Extended use of these oral antibiotics don’t cause the immune system to weaken or lower your body’s ability to fight infection. You can take these antibiotics for months with no adverse side effects.
• There may be the increased risk of breast cancer with the long term taking of antibiotics, but doctors only prescribe these medications when acne is present and only for as long as is needed.
• The pill, or oral contraceptive, has produced some results when treating acne. Some pills, like Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Yaz have been FDA approved for fighting acne, but the results are not hugely successful.
• A drug called spironolocatone blocks the androgen (hormone) receptors and can help some women fight acne. It can cause breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and increased potassium levels in the bloodstream, but is usually fine for young healthy women.
• Cortisone injections are used for the larger cysts and pimples and help reduce the size of the cyst or pimple when injected by a doctor.
• A highly effective treatment is called Isotretinoin. This drug is very effective in the fight against severe acne and has helped millions of people over the years. This is only for patients with severe acne, mainly the types that involve cysts and who have had no luck with other treatments. Those people who have milder acne and think they can knock it out with this harsher treatment, often find that their acne comes back worse when they stop taking this drug.
• Isotretinoin produces a few side effects like dry lips and occasional muscle aches, but it is generally considered a very safe drug to treat severe acne. The course is usually five to six months and after that the patient is required to undertake blood test to ensure the liver and cholesterol levels have not been adversely affected. These are very rare side effects with this drug.
• Isotretinoin does not stay in the body, but that does not mean the acne returns once a person stops using it. While the acne may come back after a few months, it is recommended that you try another type of medicine before you go back to Isotretinoin.
• Isotretinoin may cause birth defects if taken while pregnant. Women are required to take a blood and urine pregnancy test before starting a course of Isotretinoin. For those women who are sexually active, it is a requirement that you use two forms of contraceptive, one being the pill, to ensure you do not fall pregnant while taking Isotretinoin. While Isotretinoin does leave the body after you stop taking it, it is important a women ensures she does not fall pregnant for at least a month after taking the drug.
• There have been a few publicized cases of depression and suicide for people who are taking Isotretinoin. This has caused people who are taking Isotretinoin to register on a national data base. Large studies have shown there is no known risk of patients who take Isotretinoin having a larger suicide risk or suffering from depression. While this is true, it is important that you report any mood changes you may experience to your doctor if you are taking Isotretinoin.
• Laser treatments have proven to be very effective in reducing acne and acne scars. Treatments like laser and photosensitizing dyes safe and effective but the longevity of the treatments is still under question. It is best if you use these types of treatments with other conventional treatments.
• Chemical peels provide some moderate results and can be effective. It is important you ensure that you receive this treatment from a doctor or trained esthetician. They are recommended for use with traditional therapies.
• People who have scars from acne have a few good options they can take to reduce or remove the scars. Surgical procedures can elevate the deep depressed scars and laser treatment can smooth out the skin. Fractional resurfacing is less traumatic on the skin and heal faster but may need to be repeated a few times. While these treatments reduce the effects of the scars, they do not completely remove the damage.
Notice: All of the above mentioned drug names may or may not be trademarks of their respective owners and manufacturers. Please check their websites for more information and application or consult your local doctor before using.