Experts estimate that nearly 9 out of 10 people worldwide either have acne or have suffered from it in the past. That means that literally billions of people are currently facing this common skin problem, went through it in the past, or know someone who fits in one of those first two categories. One of the most common forms of acne treatment is the use of some type of acne medication. However, the type of medication used varies depending on the severity of the acne outbreaks along with other factors.
Moderate to Severe Acne
Topical treatments are often used for moderate to severe acne. These treatments, as the name implies, are usually applied to existing acne as a way to reduce inflammation and eventually make the acne go away.
Oral antibiotics are also sometimes used as a treatment for acne. This is typically done in multiple doses, with the first dose being a relatively high dose and over the course of 6 months or so, the dosage being gradually reduced. There's added relief from the fact that oral antibiotics are also anti-inflammatory, which helps with some of the discomfort that can result from particularly bad acne outbreaks...an added bonus that comes with this particular form of acne treatment.
Oral contraceptives can also be used in the treatment of acne. Though it may sound strange to think of these drugs as acne remedies, studies indicate that these types of medications can help women in fighting acne. Since acne is often linked to hormonal characteristics, that might not be much of a surprise. These drugs have a suppressive effect on the oil-producing sebaceous glands, whose overproduction of oil is one of the main factors that causes acne. So although it's a roundabout way, these drugs can have a beneficial effect when used as an acne treatment but, of course, care should be taken when using them, especially for women with certain medical conditions. As with anything else, a doctor's recommendation is always best.
These treatments prove quite effective for many cases of moderate to severe acne. However, as acne becomes more severe, more aggressive measures might have to be taken.
Acute Cystic Acne and Severe Acne
Some of the most potent topical treatments for acne are called retinoids. These are often used on cases of severe acne, though they work quite well on moderate outbreaks too. These drugs are derived from Vitamin A and are the basis for many acne medications. They work to clean dirt and oil from the pores of the skin which helps keep acne from forming.
In addition to retinoids, Isotretinoin is one of the most prescribed acne medications used today. However, this drug is so powerful that it's reserved only for acne sufferers with acute cystic acne outbreaks. It might also be used on other patients whose acne has been shown to be resistant to other, less aggressive measures.
Depending on the severity of your acne as well as other factors, one of these types of treatment might be right for you too. However, as with all health-related matters, consulting a doctor or other medical professional is the best course of action to ensuring you choose the acne remedy that's best for you.
FACT: Acne affects 90% of people worldwide. Why are some people able to stop acne dead in its tracks while others continue to suffer? Discover other traditional and alternative acne treatments and finally enjoy clear, smooth, acne-free skin.
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Copyright 2007 - Kevin Nelson. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
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