Living With Acne

Treating acne is an ongoing process. Acne is an ongoing process with new blemishes appearing on top of existing blemishes. Older acne heals but there is a new blemish reading to take its place.

Once you've exhausted the over the counter products, you should turn to your doctor. Your general health professional may subscribe a prescription strength treatment but if your case is severe enough they will likely recommend you to a dermatologist.

Once you've visited the dermatologist you will be evaluated for treatment. The doctor will have to take into consideration your age, gender and the type of acne you're experiencing. Your dermatologist will develop a plan based on your individual case. Each case is different and the treatment will be just as individually planned.

Sometimes a topical treatment will be attempted and others will begin their treatment with an oral medication. Some patients are treated with both approaches. For more stubborn cases, laser treatment is sometimes suggested.
Topical acne treatments typically prescribed include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, salicylic acid, and retinoids. They come in the form of lotions, gels, or creams.

Oral treatments typically include oral antibiotics. Dermatologists typically prescribe oral antibiotics for acne that is resistant to topical treatments. It is also typically prescribed for acne that covers a large area where topical treatment may be impractical.

Dermatologist will sometimes give females birth control pills to combat acne. It decreases certain hormones that contribute to blemishes.
Another more drastic approach a dermatologist may use is corticosteroid injections. These injections work quickly to treat painful acne covering a large area.