There are several effective treatments for acne, but there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Our dermatologist prescribes treatment regimens according to your age, the type of acne you have and its severity, among other factors. For some treatments, you need to be ready to commit to washing your face and applying medication twice a day, and other treatments may include oral medications. Here are some answers to common questions about acne treatment.
What are the Topical Medications for Acne?
Over-the-counter topical acne creams and gels are sold to the general public. For this reason, the active ingredient needs to be so small that it will not cause any unwanted reaction on the skin, so it may not be very effective. When you visit our dermatologist, more powerful and effective topical medications may be prescribed. These can include:
• Creams, lotions and gels with retinoids – these work by keeping the hair follicle open.
• Antibiotic ointments kill the bacteria that causes the inflammation – these may be used along with retinoid creams or other medications to reduce the possibility of you becoming antibiotic resistant.
What Oral Medications are Available?
• Antibiotics may be prescribed for moderate to severe acne, but it may only be taken for a short time to avoid antibiotic resistance. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed along with certain topical medications.
• Combined oral contraceptives may be prescribed for some women. The results may take a few months to show, so a topical medication may also be prescribed.
Do Home Remedies Work?
Home remedies may help prevent outbreaks, but we recommend you talk to our specialist about your acne and skin type before starting any home treatment. Without professional guidance, you may use a treatment that makes your acne worse. When it comes to acne, or any skin condition for that matter, it’s always best to consult a professional rather than self-diagnose and self-treat.
Let Us Answer All Your Questions
Schedule an appointment at Pinnacle Dermatology to have your acne examined and get more of your questions answered by our specialist. The above treatments are just some of the options that we have available. Our office is conveniently located in Birmingham, MI, and we happily serve clients throughout the surrounding areas. Contact us today to set up a consultation and get started. We look forward to hearing from you!
