<p>There exists many types of acne and if you dont already know this, kindly refer to <a href="https://myjourneywithacnecom.wordpress.com/what-type-of-acne-do-you-have/">What Type Of Acne Do You Have? </a>to help you get well informed about your type of acne and treatment options.</p>
<p>If your acne condition is only moderate and not serious, then you can go for the over-the-counter type of medications. However, seek the help of a dermatologist if your acne has reached a severe state of cystic or nodular acne , where he will recommend some prescription medications.Even if your acne is mild ,a prescription treatment will be much more effective than what over-the-counter treatments can offer.</p>
<p>There are basically two types of prescription acne skin care treatments, namely antibiotics and ointments. Antibiotics are the common agent used to combat acne, and can either be topical applications(gels, creams or lotion), or can be taken orally. Ointment prescriptions include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids.</p>
<p><strong>Antibiotics</strong></p>
<p>Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic used to treat acne .Tetracycline works by killing the bacteria that causes acne and reducing any inflammation which may result from the acne. Antibiotic treatment may take up to a few weeks or even months to see any positive effect. You must also continue the antibiotic treatment even after your acne has subsided.</p>
<p>Just like any other medications out there, the tetracycline antibiotic does have side effects. It will increase your skin’s overall sensitivity to sun light, which may lead to sun burns so its important to use sunscreen when going out. Other possible side effects include dizziness and stomach upset.</p>
<p><strong>Topical Antibiotic Ointments</strong></p>
<p>Antibiotic ointments generally have lesser side effects as compared to oral antibiotics. They are highly effective when it comes to killing the bacteria that causes acne and the results are much quicker. Examples of topical antibiotics include erythromycin(E-Mycin,, Pediazole, Ilosone), clindamycin, sulfacetamide , azelaic acid and dapsone. When these ointments are used in conjunction with other treatments like benzoyl peroxide, the acne bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.</p>
<p><strong>Retinoids</strong></p>
<p>Derived from vitamin A, retinoid can be applied directly onto the skin in the form of creams or lotions. Retinoid medications are particularly useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by opening up clogged pores. The most common side effect of retinoid is that you will experience dry skin.</p>
<p>If your acne condition is so severe that it doesn’t respond to either antibiotics or ointments, then oral retinoid is your next best option.An oral retinoid works by encouraging cell renewal so new acne free skin is generated faster. It can also restrict the body from producing excess sebum, which is responsible for oily skin.</p>
<p>However,Oral retinoids must be used with caution, because there are known serious side effects and complications that comes with their use. They can cause birth defects if a woman takes them during pregnancy. Other complications include depression and liver damage. So if you are taking any retinoid treatment, then regular medical attention and follow-up is required to ensure that the side effects are reduced to a minimum.</p>
<p>There are many forms of retinoids in the market but the most recent retinoids include adapalene(differin) and tazarotene. Adapalene 0.1% is now available without a prescription.A combination medication known as Epiduo gel -- which contains the retinoid, adapalene, along with the antibacterial, benzoyl peroxidecan be applied once a day.</p>
<p><b>Spironolactone (Aldactone)</b>:</p>
<p>This drug blocks androgen(hormone) receptors in women. It can cause breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and increased potassium levels in the bloodstream. It can help some women with resistant acne, and is generally well-tolerated by most people.</p>
<p><b>Cortisone injections</b></p>
<p>To make large pimples and cysts flatten out fast, doctors inject them with a form of cortisone.</p>
strong>Salicylic acid and azelaic acid.
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in whole-grain cereals and animal products. It has antibacterial properties. A 20 percent azelaic acid cream is as effective as many conventional acne treatments when used twice a day for at least four weeks. It's even more effective when used in combination with erythromycin. Prescription azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea) is an option during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. Side effects include skin discoloration and minor skin irritation.
If you are not sure of the reliability of over-the-counter medications, then always seek the advice of your dermatologist who can give you reliable prescription medication, and other advice for the most effective acne skin care treatment for your particular condition.