Treatments for Acne

Answer 1

The onset of puberty causes many bodily changes, but acne is perhaps the most embarrassing. The effects of acne are more than skin deep: moderate to severe acne can destroy a child's self-esteem and cause depression and thoughts of suicide. Seeing their child suffer from acne can also be painful for parents. However, there are many over the counter and prescription treatments that can eliminate acne.

Over the Counter Treatments

The ultimate cause of acne is excess facial oil which clogs pores and traps harmful bacteria beneath the skin. There are several types of over the counter treatments which address each of these problems. Facial cleaners reduce facial oil and exfoliate dead skin cells; this helps prevent future breakouts. When selecting a cleanser look for a mild soap which is dermatologist recommended. Also, a good ingredient to look for is salicyclic acid. Many cleansers contain a bacteria fighting ingredient called benzoyl peroxide which is very effective, but it can irritate the skin if used too often. A better route is to use a benzoyl peroxide ointment separately from the cleanser. Lastly, an oil-free moisturizer helps the skin repair itself and reduces scarring. Look for a moisturizer labeled: Non-Comedogenic. This simply means it won't clog pores or cause breakouts.

Prescription Treatments

Most acne responds well to over the counter treatments, but sometimes more resistant acne requires a trip to the dermatologist. This option has a higher cost than a trip to the drugstore, but it should not be avoided. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring if left untreated. The dermatologist will assess the situation and prescribe either an oral antibiotic or a topical cream. Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline and erythromycin, work by fighting the bacterial infections which causes acne. The topical cream proscribed will likely contain isotretinoin, which is a derivative of vitamin A. This substance causes excess skin cells to slough off the face, thus preventing clogged pores. In the most severe acne cases the dermatologist may prescribe oral isotretinoin, which signals the body to permanently reduce its production of facial oil. Oral isotretinoin is incredibly effective at treating acne, but it has an elevated risk compared to other treatments and should be used only in extreme cases. In most cases over the counter cleansers and ointments can be used along with prescription treatments to improve results.