There is no doubt that acne is definitely one of the most stubborn and annoying skin problems that people have to endure for most of their life. It is painful, appears unattractive, and sometimes can also get very complicated.
Whether it’s acne caused by hormones as soon as you hit puberty or it is a genetic problem that makes your skin more prone to developing pimples, acne is a problem that is hard to get rid of and requires a proper set of treatments.
When it comes to treating acne, many people resort to over-the-counter (OTC) nonprescription drugs and skincare products for a few days before getting annoyed by not seeing results- and experimenting with a new product. This becomes a never-ending cycle for many pimples, especially if it turns into something more severe and painful. This is why the best solution to acne is to approach a dermatologist – a doctor specializing in treating skin issues, and get a treatment specifically suitable for your type of acne.
Dermatologists use various acne treatments and treatment approaches to cure acne problems for a patient. If you are also tired of your acne problems, here are different types of acne treatments you must know about.
Factors Dermatologists Consider When Treating Acne
Before we get to the types of treatments that dermatologists use in treating acne, it’s important to understand the various factors they consider to decide what treatment is suitable for you; here are some factors:
- The type of acne you have – there are various types of acne; it can be blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled pimples, papules, etc.
- Your age to determine if your skin can undergo severe treatment methods such as the use of chemicals.
- The cause behind your acne – if it’s because of oily skin or if genetic so that they can treat your issue from within.
- Complication – sometimes acne can lead to severe complications that need to be approached accordingly.
Types of Acne Treatments
Oral Medications
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Antibiotics
The most common type of medication for most problems we face – dermatologists also recommend antibiotics to treat severe to moderate levels of acne that may have bacteria present. The first choice of antibiotic for treating ance is macrolide (azithromycin, erythromycin) or tetracycline (doxycycline, minocycline). Macrolides are prescribed to people who cannot take tetracyclines, such as pregnant women or children under the age of 8.
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Anti-androgen Agent
These are drugs that contain spironolactone (Aldactone) which is used mostly for women or girls if the antibiotics are not helping the condition. Anti-androgen drugs work by blocking the effect of the androgen hormone, which is responsible for the oil-producing glands that cause acne. This medication has some possible side effects, such as painful periods and tenderness in the breast.
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Isotretinoin
A derivative of Vitamin A, isotretinoin (Claravis, lamestream, etc.), is prescribed to people with moderate to severe acne levels who are not responding well to other forms of oral medication or treatment methods. There are some potential side effects of isotretinoin, such as depression, inflammatory bowel disease and sometimes severe birth defects.
Topical Medication
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Retinoids or Retinoid-like Drugs
Retinoid is the most popular name when it comes to treating acne; drugs, serums or solutions containing tretinoin or retinoic acid are very useful in treating moderate acne on specific parts of the body. They are available in the form of gels, creams and lotions as well. Some examples are adapalene (Differin), tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A,etc), tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, ec). Retinoids can be applied on the skin in the evening and around 3 times a week daily as your skin becomes more used to it.
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Azelaic Acid
A naturally occurring acid which is produced by yeast, azelaic acid has antibacterial properties and is an effective conventional acne treatment. It comes in gels and creams that can be applied twice a day – however, it is an option during pregnancy or lactation. Some potential side effects are minor irritation and skin redness.
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Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid helps prevent plugged hair follicles that cause pimples. The acid is available in the forms of leave-on and wash-off products, both. However, it observed that its effectiveness is limited and has side effects like skin discoloration and minor skin irritation.
Therapies
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Chemical Peel
A procedure that has recently gained a lot of popularity, a chemical peel is a treatment method involving repeated application of a certain chemical solution such as that retinoic acid, glycolic acid or salicylic acid. This treatment is used to treat mild acne and can help improve the appearance of the skin. However, it’s important to note that the results are not long-lasting, and clients might need repeat treatments.
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Light Therapy
Several types of light therapies have so far been tried on patients that have shown some success. Light therapy requires multiple visits to the clinic as it requires a lot o observation to determine the dose and light source.
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Steroid Injections
Severe forms of acne as nodular ad cystic lesions that are not getting better after topical and oral medicines, are often treated by injecting steroid drugs. This treatment method is known to show rapid improvement and decreases pain instantly. However, it may cause skin thinning and discoloration of the treated area.
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Drainage and Extraction
Doctors use certain special tools to gently remove blackheads (comedones), whiteheads or cysts that have not been treated or cleared up by topical medication. This technique is temporary and helps improve appearance but may also cause scarring.
Final Word
Acne is one of the most painful skin conditions that should be treated as soon as possible. By now, as you know, there are various different types of acne, and each type of acne is treated using a certain combination of treatment methods. Moreover, to make sure the treatment method works, your doctor has to consider certain factors, including your age, skin type and history and the cause of the problem.
If you are also going through the same problem, we have brought you an easy solution. You can now consult a telemedicine doctor online without having to leave your house! TelMDCare offers easy, online consultation with a specialist – you can find the right dermatologist to treat your acne there as well!
