Archive for May 27, 2009

A visit to a dermatologist for severe cases of acne is mandatory. Mostly an antibiotic cream for application and antibiotic pills for ingestion is prescribed. Acne medication sometimes includes creams containing Retin, a derivative of Vitamin A. This cream helps in the flaking off of the top layer of skin that had been previously infected.

Very severe cases are prescribed Isotretinoin. This is an oral acne medication which dries up glands that secrete oil in excess. This medicine has acute side effects like birth abnormalities and liver damage. It is not preferred always but is resorted to as the final stage. But these medicines are very effective and completely clear and cure acne in a period of four to six months.

The male sex hormone androgen is largely responsible for the production of oil. Thus birth control pills, which reduce androgen activity, are used in the treatment of acne in teenage girls. Hormonal imbalance has been considered as a cause of the dreaded acne since a long time. Phototherapy is another process that’s being considered as a treatment for acne. Bulbs emitting blue light or a combination of blue and red light have proved to be effective against pimples.

Occasional break outs can be managed by counter medications. Acute conditions require a dermatologist. Therefore, the choice of acne medication should depend on the severity of the skin condition.

Acne medications are a dime a dozen these days. There are so many available that over the counter that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the common man to decide on the one that would prove to be effective as well as shows minimum side effects. The products available over the counter cannot be completely trusted or distinguished from hype. To decide on the right one is tricky. Prescription medicines are also available for acne. These have to be prescribed for you by your doctor.

While buying medication for acne, keeping a few things in mind would help in zeroing in on the right product.

- Never choose a product that promises to clear acne over night or in a few weeks.
- Over the counter products are ideal only for mild acne.
- Severe cases of acne have to be treated with prescription drugs and a visit to the doctor is a must before the problem aggravates.

Treatment of acne has to begin early since the zits might leave ugly scars if left unattended. These take a couple of months to heal completely and acne medication should be used continuously and regularly during the course of treatment for complete recovery. Mild form of acne can be treated with over the counter medications that contain agents for drying up the oil present in skin and thereby curtail the growth of bacteria. These medications also contain anti bacterial agents that help kill bacteria and clean the affected area. They also aid in preventing any recurrence in the same area.