Healthcommunities.com

Home Health Topics Health Reports Learning Centers Find a Dermatologist Medical Website Design
|
|

Acne Treatment

Treatment for Acne

There are a number of effective treatments for acne. Dermatologists recommend treatments singly or in various combinations, depending on the individual's condition.

Topical Acne Treatments

These lotions, creams, and gels are applied to the surface of the skin. Topical antibiotics (drugs designed to destroy bacteria) can help reduce acne. Types of topical antibiotics include erythromycin, clindamycin, and sulfa drugs. The topical approach is effective because the medication is applied directly to the lesions. Also, because the patient does not swallow the drugs, they do not travel through the body and are less likely to cause side effects. A disadvantage to antibiotic treatment is that bacteria often develop tolerance and resistance to the medication over time, and thus become difficult to eradicate.

Blackheads and whiteheads respond well to treatments with retinoids (Retin A®, Avita®, Differin®, Tazorac®), which are chemically similar to vitamin A. Retinoids break up the mixture of oil and dead cells that blocks the follicle and causes the lesion. Once the follicle is unclogged and oil flow is restored, the lesion begins to heal. It may take weeks to see improvement with these treatments. In fact, the acne may get worse before it gets better.

A side effect of retinoids is increased sun sensitivity. Doctors usually recommend covering the skin or using sunscreens to minimize this problem. Sunlight also breaks down retinoids, rendering them less effective. Some researchers have found that mixing yellow pigment with the retinoids reduces this problem.

Benzoyl peroxide is a familiar medication for acne. Over-the-counter and prescription benzoyl peroxide products may be recommended by dermatologists, depending on the severity of the acne.

Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that cause acne. Doctors often use benzoyl peroxide along with topical antibiotics to reduce the likelihood of antibiotic resistance.

A side effect of benzoyl peroxide is local irritation, especially with the higher strengths such as 10 percent gels.

Article Continues Below



In December 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the topical drug combination adapalene and benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo™ Gel) to treat acne in patients 12 years of age and older. This gel is applied to the skin of the face and/or trunk once per day. Patients using this medication should avoid sun exposure if possible, and should be sure to use sunscreen to prevent skin reactions (e.g., redness, stinging, burning).Side effects include scaling (peeling), dryness, and skin irritation.

Mild acid solutions of fruit origin, including salicylic and glycolic acids, can be effective on acne. These solutions encourage the peeling of the top layer of skin and the opening of blocked follicles, which helps reestablish the normal skin-cell replacement cycle.

Tea tree oil is a natural oil with antibiotic properties. Research is ongoing to determine whether it can be an effective acne treatment.



Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Sep 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007

© Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

More on Acne (pediatric) (4 of 6 articles)

Acne Treatment

Read More »


  • Jon Lovitz Gets Serious About Psoriasis
  • How to Control Psoriasis This Winter
  • New Cholesterol Drug Shows Great Potential
  • Study Slams Dosing Instructions for Childhood Medicines
  • Kids Enjoy Low-Sugar Cereals, Study Finds
  • Alpha-Carotene Linked to Longevity, Study Suggests
  • Higher Risk of ADHD in Children with High Blood Pressure
  • New Discovery Assists in Cancer Research
  • Can Probiotics Help Kids With Upset Stomachs?
  • Could Feeding Infants Formula Help Prevent Type 1 Diabetes?
  • Race, Gender and Location Influence Risk of Hypertension
  • FDA Approves New Drug for Late-Stage Breast Cancer
  • Study Compares Treatment Options for Women With DCIS
  • Diabetes and Depression: A Two-Way Street
  • Study Finds Common Chemicals May Hinder Immune Functioning
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants Linked to Cardiovascular Disease
  • Rates of Some Sexually Transmitted Diseases Rising, CDC Reports
  • Prostate Cancer Treatment May Promote Colorectal Cancer
  • Secondhand Smoke Kills Over 600,000 Annually
  • Smoking Increases Risks of Rheumatoid Arthritis Among African Americans
  • Tramadol pfizer buy tramado... (370)
  • Sturbibibence buy fioricet V... (370)
  • A formal introduction (370)
  • Acne in Teens (15)
  • ??????????? ???????? ????? (370)
  • Myspace problems please help ... (370)
  • ??????? ??? ??????. ???????? ... (370)
  • ???????? ??????????? ??????? (370)
  • ???????? ???????????? (370)
  • Psoriasis Guaranteed treatment (370)


Specialties

Allergy

Alternative Medicine

Animal Health

Avian Flu

BPH

Cardiology

Diabetes

Dermatology

Flu

GI

General Health

HIV

LGBT Health

Male Health

Mental Health

Nephrology

Neurology

Oncology

Pain

Pediatric Health

Podiatry

Pulmonology

Radiology

Rheumatology

Senior Health

Sexual Health

Sleep Disorder

Surgery

Urology

Vision

Women's Health


This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.


This page last modified: 28 Oct 2010

Remedy Health Media logo
Magazines: Diabetes Focus® | MediZine's Healthy Living™ | Remedy® | RemedyKids™ | RemedyMD™
Websites: Healthcommunities.com® | RemedyLife™ | JohnsHopkinsHealthAlerts.com | BerkeleyWellnessAlerts.com | WellnessLetter.com
© 2010 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All rights reserved.