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Acne Treatments &
Products
Acne
causes great suffering for those afflicted with it, and needs
to be treated as soon as possible. Early treatment should limit
the severity of acne and prevent the physical and psychological
scarring that may otherwise result.
Available treatments for acne today include medicated
cleansers, exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, topical
antibiotics, physical treatments, oral antibiotics,
intralesional corticosteroids, hormonal therapy, systemic
corticosteroids, accutane, and natural treatment
formulas.
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Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is often the first
self-help treatment and one of the most
effective topical medications used to treat
mild to moderate acne. It kills the acne
bacteria inside the follicles and thus reduces
the inflammation. It also functions as an
exfoliant keeping the skin
drying.
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The major side
effect of benzoyl peroxide arises from its drying properties.
Even at the lowest concentrations, many users experience
excessive peeling and, sometimes, rashes. Discontinue
immediately if redness, itching, or excessive drying and
peeling develop, and consult with a physician or dermatologist
for alternative treatment measures.
Retin-A (tretinoin)
A derivative of
vitamin A, (combination of retinoic acid and vitamin A acid),
Retin-A is designed to treat acne, wrinkles, and sun
damage. It supposedly does this by unplugging follicles
and turnover of dead skin cells.
Retin-A is currently
the most effective externally applied medication to rid the
skin of comedones. Not only does Retin-A eliminate
existing blackheads and closed comedones, but it also prevents
new ones from forming and thus alters the entire process that
leads to the development of papules, pustules, and other
inflammatory blemishes.
Most users will
suffer some degree of stinging, redness, and
peeling.
Topical antibiotic (e.g.
clindamycin)
These kinds of
externally applied antibiotics are formulated as water-alcohol
solutions, creamy lotion, gels, and ointment. They are
applied directly to the skin and are very effective in
mild-to-moderate acne and dry up pustules
quickly.
Alcohol content in
the solution causes some users dryness, peeling and
itching.
Oral antibiotic (e.g. tetracycline
pills)
Oral antibiotics are
the usual treatment for moderate-to-severe acne, and a
necessity to control severe acne in which there are deep
papules, large pustules, and cysts. Tetracycline is the first
oral antibiotic to be used to treat acne, also the most popular
one. Side effects are sometimes a problem, including
gastrointestinal upset, stomach irritation, swallowing
discomfort and sun sensitivity. Women may develop vaginal yeast
infection.
Hormone treatment
Androgens (male
hormone) increase the size and oil production of the sebaceous
glands, and contribute to the development of acne. Estrogens
(female hormone) or anti-androgens block the action of
androgens on the oil glands and thus help improve an acne
condition.
These medications
are usually restricted to severe acne cases. They do help
acne, but risk multiple possible side effects, including
nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, mood change, spotting ,
and blood vessel problems.
Accutane (Isotretinoin)
(common misspelling
Isotetinoin)
Accutane is a
powerful drug derived from vitamin A and normally prescribed
only for severe acne where other treatments have failed.
Accutane is usually taken for 4-6 months and with it the most
severe forms of acne can be controlled and even
cured.
The downside to
Accutane is the high occurrence of side effects, some very
serious. Potential side-effects include dry skin with
itching and rash, eye irritation, liver and bone problems. For
women, it may cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and serious birth
defects and malformations.
Because of the
severity of certain side effects, Accutane is a potentially
dangerous drug in unskilled hands - qualified medical
supervision is essential to responsibly manage the attendant
risks.
Accutane is best
reserved to cases of severe acne with large papules and cysts
that do not respond to other forms of treatment, and where
pregnancy is neither present nor likely.
Salicylic Acid
This is another
widely used formula in controlling acne, especially preventing
future breakouts. Salicylic acid helps slow down the
shedding of cells inside the follicle. It is available in
many over-the-counter treatments.
Sulfur
Sulfur is used in
acne control mainly to promote drying and peeling of the
skin. This may be good for eliminating existing acne but
its effects on preventing future acne are
questionable.
Herbal Remedies
A relative newcomer
to mainstream acne fighting are herbal remedies. It is
thought that certain herbs are effective in regulating oil
levels and other bodily functions that pertain directly to
acne.
e.g. Natural treatment product -
Dr. Zhao's 101E Acne Getaway
Developed by a
dermatologist, Dr. Zhangguang Zhao, 101E Acne Getaway battles
blemishes with a hydrolytic action. It hydrolyzes and drains
the pores, thus preventing new pimples from forming, and its
enhanced bacteria-killing properties help prevent acne from
coming back.
Unlike
most acne medications, which leave the skin dry and irritated,
101E Acne Getaway contains an anti-bacterial agent that
moisturizes the skin while fighting bacteria. It is an
optimized mixture of compounds extracted from natural medicinal
plants. It is safe and has no side
effects.
Summary
Control of acne is
an ongoing process. All acne treatments work by preventing new
acne. Existing blemishes must heal on their own. Improvement
takes time. If your acne has not improved after 6 to 8 weeks,
you may need a change in your treatment.
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