Acne
Treatment Products
Acne is not considered a life-threatening
condition, but its effects can range from mild to quite severe.
Some kind of acne treatment should always be instituted when
outbreaks occur. A dermatologist is the professional doctor
best qualified to diagnose your condition, and give you valuable
information about acne, its causes, cure, and the course of acne
treatment your case should follow.
In addition to the physical and emotional
trauma acne can cause, it can also leave permanent scarring if
appropriate acne treatment is not begun.
Some of the most common options for acne
treatment you might consider include:
Topical Acne Treatment
-
Retin-A is a common acne
treatment. It is a topical medication derived from Vitamin A. It
acts by increasing cell turnover and releasing plugs from the hair
follicles. Retin-A is well known for improving the general
appearance and texture of the affected skin as well as lessening
wrinkles.
Retin-A can cause excessive skin dryness which could progress to
something more serious. Retin-A is an acne treatment prescribed by
doctors. There are some cosmetics you might have seen that
contain very small amounts.
-
Benzoyl peroxide is an
over-the-counter medication for acne treatment which causes the
skin to peel, and it alters the skin fats and bacteria. It is very
useful and often is sufficient for mild cases of
acne.
-
Tretinoin is an acne
treatment prescription drug derived from Vitamin A which alters the
growth of oil glands. It should be applied once a day to dry up
pimples and keep others from forming.
-
Antibiotics - there are
various prescription antibiotics used in acne treatment. They
are mainly used for treating inflammed acne.
Oral Medications for Acne
Treatment
- Tetracyline is an antibiotic that can be taken
for acne treatment for a long time without causing side
effects. It does cause sensitivity to sunlight, so appropriate
precautions should be taken when you are outside. This is a acne
treatment drug that should not be taken during pregnancy
due to the risk of birth defects.
- Accutane is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin
A used for acne treatment. It is very powerful, and in some cases
will eliminate the acne problem. But it can also cause
side effects such as itching, headaches, muscle pain and hair loss.
It is not to be taken by pregnant women because it, too,
can cause birth defects.
Physical acne treatment
- Exfoliation is an acne treatment that
removes the top layer of skin chemically or by using abrasion.
Agents used in this procedure are salicylic acid or glycolic acid,
both of which destroy a microscopic layer of skin cells to uplug
pores and remove dead cell build up.
Glycolic acid treatments can be done every 2-4 weeks over a
six-month period. Salicylic acid treatments are milder and are
often found in over-the-counter medications. They can be used daily
in acne treatment, but precautions and instructions spelled out on
the label pertaining to acne treatment should be closely
followed.
- Extraction - This is an acne treatment in
which comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) are removed by a
dermatologist. The procedure includes anesthetizing the skin using
a topical application, followed by removing the plugged skin cells
and sebrum with a sterile pen-like instrument. An antibiotic cream
is applied to the lesion after the procedure to lessen the chance
of infection.
This is an acne treatment procedure that should only be done by a
qualified dermatologist.
- Drainage - This is an acne treatment used in
severe cases only. Severe acne sometimes causes cysts to form under
the skin which are very painful and disfiguring. Small cysts
are treated with cortisone injections which flatten the lesions
within a day or so. Large cysts usually have to be drained in a
dermatologist's office under sterile conditions. Acne treatments
using drainage assist in relieving the pain associated
with cysts as well as reduce chances of scarring.
Your doctor or skin specialist is the best person to consult
about physical acne treatments, and which one is best for you.
For more
information about acne treatment, and acne care, see:
Prescription Acne
Medications - Some Preferred Acne Medicines
Safe Acne
Treatment During Pregnancy
Acne Creams - Topical Acne
Treatments
Clearlight Acne
Treatment
Acne Treatment Tips
Natural Acne Treatments -
There Are Great Choices
Laser Acne Treatment - Facts
About Acne and Lasers
Helpful Source for Acne Information
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