Acne Treatment Guide
Acne is common among young adults, teenagers and pre-teens and can cause emotional problems and lower self-esteem. There are many nonprescription products that can help treat acne but in severe cases, medical treatment may be necessary.
Acne is caused by inflammation of the oily glands (sebaceous glands) under the skin, which contain fats called sebum. Small pimple forms when the duct of sebaceous glands is blocked by layers of skin, fatty secretions or impurities. The cyst can then be infected with the bacteria responsible for acne.
The basic treatment is to remove what obstructs the duct of sebaceous glands and, if necessary, to eliminate the bacteria responsible for acne. The simplest treatment against acne is to wash daily with plain soap and water. Many medicines are available over the counter and does not require a prescription, including:
- Medicated soaps;
- Ointments and cleaning solutions to salicylic acid;
- Benzoyl peroxide.
The products may contain prescribed topical antibiotics such as erythromycin, which help control inflammation associated with acne. They may also contain derivatives of vitamin A. These products are designed to clean the area, dry matter fat, to exfoliate the skin and weaken or kill the bacteria in question.
Drugs are generally only available with a prescription from a doctor. These may include:
- Antibiotics (like tetracycline and erythromycin) which attack the bacteria responsible for acne;
- Derivative of vitamin A called retinoids;
- Endocrine agents, including some oral contraceptives.
Women should not breastfeed if they use products containing isotretinoin, as this could harm the baby. Doctors who prescribe these products to women of childbearing age should enroll their patients in the program’s risk management manufacturer. The program includes:
- Complete information on the risks associated with this drug;
- A statement signed by the patient stating that she was informed of the risks;
- A list of criteria that must be met before we prescribe the product for patients of childbearing age;
- Monthly reminders about the pregnancy should the doctor each time the patient consults for the duration of treatment.
Although no direct evidence has been provided, these products have also been linked to depression and even suicide in some people. The drugs may also increase the risk of diabetes and diseases of the liver or heart in people who have a family history of these diseases.
Furthermore, products based on isotretinoin may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, causing loss of night vision, a phenomenon which can occur suddenly. To learn more about best acne products visit www.acneskinguide.com
