How To Successfully Treat Acne

If you are suffering from acne, you need not fret because there are solutions available to treat whatever acne you may have. The products that you can use are stated below. If the tips do not work for you, the safest bet is to see your doctor or dermatologist. But weigh your options carefully as some of the treatments may have some serious side effects.

Applying Acne Medications

If you are only experiencing mild acne which is only a pimple here or there, then you should go to the store or pharmacy and try one of the over the counter acne treatments. There are many creams, ointments, soaps, pads and more to choose from, but you should know that most of these products contain the same ingredients. Any of these products will generally eliminate most minor acne problems.

Choosing Acne Products

There are mainly a few different categories in acne treatment products: prescription medications, topical treatments, and oral treatments.

Prescription medications are the most commonly used for acne, and this consists of products such as Accutane and ProActiv. Both of these products are terribly popular and famous because of the very high success rate among acne patients. However you have to consult with your doctor before taking Accutane and ProActiv, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, because these and other related products can cause serious birth defects both in utero and from breastfeeding.

Most of the times, doctors will prescribe acne medicine such as benzoyl peroxide and medicated lotion, cream and gels to kill bacteria on the affected areas. These products will normally work and your acne will clear off in a few days. However, there are certain times when these acne medicines will not work on your skin. When the acne medicines prove to be unsuitable for you, return to your doctor and ask for another form of treatment.

About Accutane

Accutane is a very powerful drug which is used to treat acne. It is generally prescribed for about four to five months, and usually clears the acne for one year or more after the treatment is stopped.

The Risks

It is considered that the most harmful side effect of Accutane is serious birth defects, if it is taken during pregnancy. Thus it is very important for women to not take this drug while pregnant or nursing. In addition, a woman who has taken Accutane should not get pregnant until at least a month has passed after they have discontinued use, and only after that time is it safe to become pregnant.

How Accutane works is by decreasing the amount of oil produced by the skin's oil glands. It may take as long as two months before you actually see any improvement in your skin. There is no other medicine you can take to speed up the effects of this drug. Actually the acne will usually get worse during the first few months of treatment.

Another commonly prescribed medication for acne is Tretinoin. Topical retinoids like this is derived from vitamin A and are used for mild to severe inflammatory acne. They unclog the pores and prevent whiteheads and blackheads from occurring. Although Tretinoin has a very high success rate they too have negative side effects, such as irritation and increased sun sensitivity.

About Proactive Acne Medicine

Proactive acne medicine is a revolutionary, dermatologist-developed system that help the skin heal the existing blemishes and stop new ones from occurring.

There are three basic steps to Proactive Acne Medicine. The first is the renewing cleanser, the second is the revitalizing toner and the third is the repairing lotion.

If you should purchase the product from the pharmacy, you must follow the instructions to its applications strictly and you can see results almost immediately, especially in terms of hydration, which is one of the most important aspects when it comes to treating acne.

Topical Treatments

The topical treatments consist of any types of medicated lotions, creams, powders and gels that are applied directly onto the skin. Topical treatments are also a very commonly used and effective form of treatment for acne. They work by reducing the small infections in the pores and also indirectly keep the pores open. These topical treatments are usually what your doctor will recommend if you have mild to moderate acne.

Oral Treatments

These are treatments which consist of pills and gel caps that are taken orally.

About Acne Pills

Acne pills are also one of the more commonly prescribed forms of treatment for acne. These acne pills, such as tetracycline, may be prescribed for inflammatory acne, and should normally be taken daily for around three months. However it may take up to six months for improvements to be seen.

Some types of oral contraceptives are also used to treat acne. Most of the times a combination of the usual pill hormone called ethinylestradiol with cyproterone acetate works by suppressing male hormone activity. Therefore this method is often used more for women who suffer from acne.

When To See A Doctor

When you think that your acne is becoming severe, you should consult your doctor immediately. Do not self medicate particularly if the flare-ups on your skin are severe because self-medication can cause further harm on your skin.

When To See A Dermatologist

You should only see your dermatologist as a last resort, because many prescription strength acne treatments will affect your kidneys and can lead to long term health problems. However your dermatologist will determine if you are suitable for one of these prescription medications, such as Accutane or Retin-A.

About The Author-- Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit acne scar skin care to learn more about home treatment for acne and laser surgery of acne scar.

Article Source: Articles island - Free article submission and free reprint articles