A Guide To Acne Treatment
By: JohnGleason Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 Time: 1:07 AM
Mild acne is whiteheads and blackheads that emerge near or on the surface of the skin. With these cases acne can be managed at home with the following routine for acne treatment.
Use mild soap and warm water and wash the affected area of the face. Excess oil and dead skin cells will be gotten rid of with this method.
Apply over the counter medications that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that can be applied to your skin.
It can take about 4-8 weeks to see any improvements using the at home methods. Continue with this the regimen even after the acne disappears to prevent any future breakouts.
If the home treatment is not successful, a dermatologist might be needed to get it under control. A skin remedy may be proposed in conjunction with prescribed medication.
Those with moderate or severe acne, which includes pimples, blackheads and whiteheads that cover the face are more than likely going to need to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist will choose from a variety of treatments such as: light therapy or Comedo extraction and prescription or over the counter medication.
The remedy needs to begin as soon as possible because of the damage that acne causes to the skin.
With severe acne cysts, inflammation scarring and damage to the skin are possible. A destructive treatment routine is required and should be done by a dermatologist. This type of acne can require years of treatment.
The techniques and medicine that these doctors use are: Surgical excision or drainage, Isoetretinion, Interlesional corticosteroid injection, Oral antibiotics or contraceptives.
If the cysts do not respond to the medicine, extraction or drainage may be necessary. Patients should not attempt this on their own. Performing without a professional may actually make the condition worse.
The cyst can become infected, then rupture and result in scarring. A diluted corticosteroid can be injected into the cysts. Within 3 to 5 days, the cyst should disappear.
Isotretinoin is a powerful drug used for treating acute acne that does not respond to other medications. It comes in a pill and is taken two times a day for up to 20 weeks.
Women who are pregnant, or might be pregnant, cannot take this medication.
Other side effects are: Pain in the abdomen or chest, difficulty or painful swallowing, migraine headaches, dizziness or blurred vision, joint and bone pain, vomiting or nausea, rectal bleeding of diarrhea, depression, dryness of the eyes, skin and nose and thinning hair
Antibiotics can also be used for treating acne. Oral antibiotics lowers the bacteria that plays a major role in acne developing. It also helps with reducing inflammation. The procedure involved with this medicine requires a higher dosage in the beginning that is decreased over time. The bacteria may develop a resistance to the antibiotics. If this happens, another antibiotic will be required.
Oral contraceptives are also effective in clearing acne in women by suppressing the sebaceous glands. These can be used as long-term therapy. It should not be given to women over 35, those who smoke, have migraines or clotting disorders without talking to a gynecologist first.
About the Author
Rating: Not yet rated
