Acne Treatment
Best Ways To Treat Acne

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Antibiotics - there are various prescription antibiotics used in acne treatment. They are mainly used for treating inflammed acne.

Oral Medications for Acne Treatment

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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