Top 5 Medicines Used To Treat Acne

When home remedies do not offer a solution to acne problem, we turn to the science of medicine in helping us how to treat acne or more commonly known as “pimples”. Please bear in mind that the use of medicines to treat acne is only reserved for the moderate to the severe kind, and it is best sought with the advice of your Doctor. There are many medications in the market that are used to treat acne. But there are certain risks that must be noted to prevent any serious complications of its usage. Over-the-counter medicines are one of the most convenient ways in finding a solution to acne problems. These treatments offer various solutions to acne problems and each have their effects and side effects. Still, there is always a potential danger in using these without the advice of your physician. And it is very important to know a thing or two of what these are to avoid any dangerous mishaps in using these medicines, hence the purpose of this article. 1. Benzoyl Peroxide This is considered one of the leading acne treatments; it can be applied as a gel or cream on the affected areas. It is an exfoliant, meaning it peels off the skin thus unclogging the pores from oil plugs and giving the skin a chance to grow a new layer. It also has an anti bacterial effect. The Catch: It causes dryness, redness, itchiness, and scaling (peeling off) of the skin, but the skin will adjust after a week or two of continuous usage. It is advised to discontinue the treatment if severe irritation occurs. 2. Topical Antibiotic A common treatment for acne prescribed by physicians to acne sufferers. This treatment stops the growth of a certain bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes which is often related to acne. This treatment also decreases blackheads, whiteheads, and facial oil build up. The Catch: None. However, please note if the person has a known allergy to topical antibiotics. 3. Oral Antibiotics Oral Antibiotics are considered to be a long term treatment that may last from months to years. These medicines are only taken in small doses over a long period and are considered effective to both moderate to severe acne especially when acne is considered to be inflammatory and has produced scarring. The Catch: Not for children under 12 years old and pregnant women. When used during pregnancy, the treatment may affect the development of the baby’s teeth and will cause a permanent discoloration of the infant’s teeth. The person may also experience sensitivity to light, nausea, and diarrhea. Furthermore, it may also stop the normal genital bacteria thus risking the person to Candidiasis, a fungal infection. 4. Oral Retinoids These are synthetic vitamin A that are used for people who does not respond to conventional treatment for acne. Oral Retinoids are used for the type of acne that has the tendency to scar. The treatment also reduces the size of the sebaceous gland (responsible for oil production) thus decreasing oil production. It also peels off any traces of blackheads and whiteheads present in the face. The Catch: The person may experience Cheilitis (swelling of the lips) and dry skin. It is also dangerous to pregnant women because it may damage the development of the fetus’ nervous system, heart, and may cause abnormalities during the development of the face. 5. Hormone Therapy Estrogen therapy is only used in young women when acne acts up later than usual and is likely to flare up during specific times of the menstrual cycle. This treatment stops oil production and decreases skin oiliness. The treatment process is through following a certain pattern or cyclical regimen that is in sync with the person’s menstrual cycle. The Catch: This treatment is ONLY applicable for women. Estrogen If taken by the male will result to undesirable effects such as breast enlargement and a decrease in body hair. The treatments mentioned above are just a few of the medicines used to treat acne. But please be aware that each of us is a unique person, that each of us has a different reaction to every medication that is used to treat acne. It is advised that you first consult your Doctor or Skin Specialist before you decide to use any of the treatments listed above to avoid any unnecessary or undesired reaction to the treatment regimen. Article Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/acne/top-5-medicines-used-to-treat-acne