A dermatologist, a medical professional with a focus on skin issues, frequently treats acne. Dermatologists treat all types of acne, especially the more severe forms. Physicians who specialize in pediatrics, internal medicine, or family medicine are qualified to treat patients with less severe acne.
Since there is currently no effective treatment for acne, the four following objectives should be the primary ones:
- the healing of current injuries,
- avoiding new lesions,
- the desire to avoid scars
- as well as the management of stress and discomfort caused by the illness.
Sadly, 5% of women and 1% of men may continue to experience symptoms well into their forties. The disorder typically subsides between the ages of 20 and 30, but this isn’t always the case. The numerous factors that contribute to acne are lessened through drug therapy:
- abnormal agglomeration of follicle cells,
- increased sebum production,
- bacteria,
- Inflammation.
Your doctor might suggest one of the many over-the-counter and/or prescription medications available depending on the severity of the issue. Drugs can be
- topical (used topically)
- or call for oral (by mouth) ingestion.
- Several topical medications may need to be used in conjunction with oral medications or other therapies.
Mild acne
Topical over-the-counter or prescription products are typically advised in the presence of mild manifestations. The entire affected area of skin or just the lesions are treated with a topical medication.
There are many over-the-counter topical medications used to treat mild acne, and they all work in different ways. The most common are:
- Peroxide of benzoyl. It kills P.acnes and can also reduce sebum production.
- resorcinol. It can help eliminate blackheads and whiteheads.
- Salicylic acid. Blackheads and whiteheads can be eliminated with its aid. Additionally, it lessens cell buildup in hair follicles.
- Sulfur. It can aid in removing blackheads and whiteheads, but it has gradually been abandoned because of its unpleasant smell.
Over-the-counter topical medications are available as gels, lotions, creams, soaps, or pads. The skin may become irritated, red, or burned in some people who use over-the-counter products; these side effects typically go away or get better with continued use. However, you must inform your doctor of any persistent or severe side effects.
Regular application of topical medications can help treat acne to some extent, but it may take up to 8 weeks before you start to see results.
severe to very severe acne
Topical or oral prescription medications, either by themselves or in combination, can be used to treat patients with moderate to severe acne. Several different prescription topical medications are used to treat acne. These are:
- antibacterial agents. They aid in preventing or reducing bacterial growth and inflammation, but in recent years, this strategy has gradually lost importance, particularly in the milder forms.
- Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. They open up clogged comedones so that other topical medications, like antibiotics, can get into the follicles. Some might even aid in reducing the growth of comedones. These medications include a modified form of vitamin A. A prescription is not required for some retinoid light formulations.
- Others. They can destroy P. acnes and reduce sebum production or help block or slow the growth of bacteria and decrease inflammation.
- Like over-the-counter topical medications, prescription medications are available as creams, lotions, solutions, gels, or pads. When prescribing a product, the specialist will take into account your skin type:
The moisturizing properties of creams and lotions make them generally suitable for those with sensitive skin. If you have extremely oily skin or live in a hot, humid climate, it is preferable to use alcohol-based gels or solutions, which tend to dry out the skin.
While irritation, burning, redness, scaling, peeling, or changes in skin color can occasionally be less common with prescription topical drugs, they usually get better or go away with continued use. If the effects are severe or persistent, let your doctor know.
