Acne Prescription Treatments are they your best option?

There are dozens of acne prescription treatments to help with severe acne. Some are topical, applied to the skins surface, others are taken as pills or injections …

Treating Severe Acne & Using Acne Prescription Treatments.

All prescribed acne tretments require at least one visit to a professional dermatologist or physician.

Fortunately, the majority of acne treatments fall into a few simple classes & feature pros and cons that are relatively easy to describe.

Prescription only acne treatments include …

1. Isotretinoin (Accutane) …

Accutane is one of the oldest, and among the most effective, prescription medications for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. It is used on cystic and other advanced forms and has been used safely by millions for that purpose. But it does have some potential side effects and risks.
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• Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid taking isotretinoin. Several studies have suggested that it can produce birth defects.
• It’s a synthetic molecule, a retinoid similar to Vitamin A, available in pill form. As such, it can be abused.
• Normal dosage is once or twice per day for 4-5 months.

[/lists] Accutane works to reduce oil production, unclog pores and kill the bacteria that contribute to acne.
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• It can cause headache, excessive skin dryness, diarrhea and other problems.
• However, as with all side effects, everyone is affected differently.

[/lists] That’s one of the major reasons it’s important to see a professional regularly during the course of treatment.

2. Oral Antibiotics …

Acne is caused, in part, by a bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes). So, the disease can be fought, in part, by taking antibiotics. But, as with all powerful antibiotics some care is necessary when using them.
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• Tetracycline (or its derivatives, doxycycline and minocycline) is one of the most commonly used.
  • Both forms have been in use for many years and can substantially reduce inflammatory acne.
  • Normal dosage is 5-10 grams per day at first, though it’s reduced as treatment progresses.
  • Treatments may take several months.
  • It, too, though carries some risk. Some patients’ skin becomes sensitive to the sun during treatment.
• Erythromycin is another common treatment for acne.
  • It’s a broad spectrum antibiotic and can kill Propionibacterium acnes effectively.
  • Like any powerful antibiotic, though, it can sometimes cause gastrointestinal irritation.
  • That’s the major reason it’s a prescription drug.

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3. Topical Treatments …

Some topical antibiotics for treating acne can attack the Propionibacterium Acnes bacteria directly through the surface of the skin.

They’re typically used for treating acne in less severe cases. They may even be used in cases of acne vulgaris, a mild form.

A number of retinoids are sometimes prescribed. They may be the same compound used in over the counter acne treatments, but in dosages high enough to warrant or require a prescription.
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• Adapalene is a gel or cream prescribed for treating acne that is usually effective within two or three months. It can cause minor skin dryness and irritation. It helps unclog pores.
• Tretinoin is a natural retinoid that has similar effects to adapalene.

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Anyone who has tried over the counter acne treatments and not received satisfactory results has many other options.

Nearly all acne can be successfully treated. Just make sure you see a professional dermatologist to help explore your acne prescription treatments and other options.