Acne Treatment

THE VARIOUS ACNE TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Acne can be treated and there are various acne treatment options available. Do you have acne? Do not despair. It is definitely no fun and it can affect your self-esteem. However with patience and discipline, acne can be treated.

Our goals for treating acne are to heal any existing acne lesions and stop the formation of new acne lesions. Proper skin care and treatment will prevent scarring. This will help to minimize psychological and emotional embarrassment and stress.

There are different acne treatments available. The type of treatment used depends on the seriousness of the acne condition.

ACNE TREATMENT FOR WHITEHEDS, BLACKHEADS & MILD ACNE

An over-the counter topical medication is recommended for those with mild acne. The acne medicine has to be applied directly on the acne lesions or the whole area of the affected skin.

Ingredients of these acne medicines are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, Resorcinol and sulfur.

Each of these ingredients works differently and plays an important role in acne treatment.

Benzoyl peroxide works well at killing the P. acnes bacteria. It further reduces oil production. Sulfur, resorcinol and salicylic acid help to break down whiteheads and blackheads. In addition, salicylic acid cuts down on the shedding of those cells which line the follicles belonging to the sebaceous glands.

Acne medicines come in different forms. It could be in the form of gel, lotion, soap, cream or pad. Choose the form most suitable for you.

Some possible side effects of acne medicines include burning, skin irritation and redness.

Side effects may lessen or completely go away after continuous use of the acne medicine. However if you should suffer from prolonged or severe side effects, you would need to see a doctor.

Over-the-counter acne medicines are pretty effective with regular use. Patience is required. Continuous use of at least 8 weeks may be required before you can see any positive effect from your acne treatments.

ACNE TREATMENT FOR MODERATE OR SEVERE ACNE

If you have moderate or severe acne, see a doctor for your acne treatment. The doctor will usually prescribe topical acne medicines which cannot be bought over the counter.

Like the OTC acne medicine, prescription topical acne medicine comes in solutions, gel, lotion or cream.

The doctor will prescribe an appropriate medicine according to your skin type. Lotions and creams help to moisturize the skin. They are good for people with sensitive skin. Solutions and gels are mostly alcohol based. They tend to make the skin dry and is not suitable for people with dry skin. They are more suitable for people with really oily skin.

Do you live in humid and hot climates? You may want to consider using gels and solutions.

Follow the doctor’s instructions on frequency of usage and method of application.

Possible side effects when using topical prescription acne medicines are

Stinging of the skin

Burning sensation

Peeling

Redness

Skin discoloration

Scaling of the skin

Some side effects go away or decrease after continuous use of the medicine for some time. If you experience severe or prolonged side effects, see the doctor.

Again, patience is required as you may see visible improvements only after 4 to 8 weeks after you’ve started your acne treatment.

The doctor may also prescribe oral antibiotics that are taken thru the mouth. These oral antibiotics can help to control acne. It helps to curb the growth and multiplication of bacteria and reduce inflammation. The doctor may recommend a treatment that combines oral medicines and topical medicines combined together.

Possible side effects include:

Increased tendency to sunburn

Upset stomach

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Changes in skin color

If you experience discomfort after taking the antibiotics, see a doctor.

ACNE TREATMENT FOR SEVERE CYSTIC OR NODULAR ACNE

If you are suffering from severe cystic or nodular acne, you should see a dermatologist. The dermatologist may prescribe drugs such as isotretinoin or accutane which is a drug taken orally. Isotretinoin is highly effective for reducing the size of oil glands causing less oil to be produced.

Isotretinoin is a very effective medicine for severe acne treatment but it may also cause serious side effects. A doctor should be consulted if you have any side effects including changes in your mental health such as depression.

Having acne is frustrating. However, with care, patience and proper acne treatment programs and medicine, the disease can be controlled and cured. Your skin condition can improve.

Discover how the Derma Cleanse System from ZENMED™ works to treat Acne

Read up on the different over the counter or prescription acne medicines and find out how it works and the possible side effects.

CAUTION

Are you are new to a particular skin care product?
Always buy a small quantity to try out and test it on a small patch of skin first.
A particular brand may work wonders for your best friend, but have a different result with your skin.
Remember, different people may have different reactions to different products.

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