Acne Treatment
Self Medication
The most convenient method of treatment is self medication. The majority of teenagers enduring acne are generally able to manage and control the severity of their acne using self medication. There are many products on the market of which many falsely claim to eradicate acne. The golden rule for self medication is to always read the label and enclosed paraphernalia, remember that what worked for a friend may not work for you and that in many cases the price of the more expensive products does not signify that they are better than others and most importantly always consult your medical practitioner should have any doubt or questions.
Based on feedback from users of this web site we have compiled a list of both prescription and over-the-counter acne medications that they found worked best for them and which may also be the solution you are looking for. You are able to purchase most of these via the Internet. Many of these Internet suppliers also offer a very useful money back guarantee which you will not get from your local pharmacy or high street retailer should the treatment not work as claimed by the manufacturer.
The role of a physician
The goal of acne therapy is to get rid of existing lesions and prevent the formation of
new ones. Most treatments resolve existing acne lesions and, with continuous use,
discourage new ones from forming.
Acne is treated by interfering with the way acne develops. As discussed elsewhere in Acne
Heal, acne occurs when androgen hormones cause sebaceous glands to grow and produce more
sebum. In concert with this change, there are changes in the skin lining the hair follicle
to which sebaceous glands are attached. The skin cells of the follicle lining shed more
quickly, in clumps, and are sticky. These cells and increased sebum output are likely to
cause clogged pores that can become comedones. Finally, a kind of bacteria, P. acnes,
which is a normal resident on the skin, invades the clogged follicle and begins to
multiply rapidly. The result is acne in all its forms.
Given the way acne occurs, acne treatments do one or more of the following:
* Reduce sebum production
* Reduce P. acnes
* Normalize the shedding of skin cells
Sometimes, two or more acne products are used to treat different acne causes. Check with
your dermatologist or pharmacist before you combine acne products. This section will
outline the various treatment options for acne.
The role of the dermatologist
Just about every case of acne can be cleared up, but sometimes it takes a dermatologist's
help. Moreover, there is absolutely no reason why acne should get so bad or last so long
as to cause scars--not with the products available today.
Should YOU see a dermatologist for your acne? To answer this question, take an honest look
at your acne and its effect on your life. If any of the following apply, make an
appointment:
* You are dissatisfied with the results you have gotten from nonprescription acne products
* Your acne is interfering with your enjoyment of life
* You have acne scars in addition to acne lesions
* You have large, painful acne bumps
* You are dark skinned and acne is causing dark patches to appear
Basic guidelines for treating acne
Regardless of the treatment you're using, you should follow the following guidelines
unless your dermatologist instructs you otherwise:
1. Do NOT pop, squeeze or pick at acne. This can make acne worse by spreading
inflammation. Comedones should be removed only by an experienced health professional. With
appropriate treatment, acne should go away without squeezing.
2. Gently wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and pat dry. Vigorous washing and
scrubbing can irritate your skin and make acne worse. It will not clear up acne on its
own--the acne needs to be treated with appropriate acne products.
3. Use "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries.
4. Avoid things that can aggravate your acne, such as oils, airborne grease, irritating
clothing or sporting equipment, and so on.
5. Give the acne products enough time to do their job. Ask a dermatologist or pharmacist
for more information about how long a particular product needs before the acne begins to
clear up.
6. Some acne products can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet
light from tanning booths. Use protective clothing and sunscreens and avoid tanning booths
(which are probably good ideas in any case).
Remember, see a dermatologist if you are not satisfied with the results you get from your
acne treatments.
Over-the-Counter Products - Recommended
products and how to get them via the Internet.
Prescription Medications - Recommended products and how to get them via the Internet.
Information Source Reference(s)
i. Cunliffe W. The Acnes. 1989.
ii. American Academy of Dermatology