The Different Types Of Acne Medication Available Today

Posted on April 17, 2008 in Health and Fitness by admin

Acne is one of the most common skin disorders in the world today. Although acne is common among teenagers and young adults, acne affects people from all ages and all walks of life.

Acne is an inflammation of the skin. Lesions associated with acne are also called spots, zits or pimples. The word “acne” derived from a Greek word.

Although acne typically diminishes over time, the psychological effect of having acne can be significant. Many young people have been embarrassed with having acne and their social developments have been badly affected to some degree.

For those who cannot wait for acne to diminish naturally or those who fear that acne may worsen over time, there are acne medications which can help reduce the spots or eventually clear up the skin.

Ever since the ancient times, people who have suffered acne have developed corresponding treatments. In ancient Rome, one of the popular treatments involved bathing in hot and sulfurous mineral water.

In the 1920s, Benzoyl Peroxide was used to treat acne. As time progressed, other treatments involved laxatives, antibiotics and tretinoin.

Some modern over the counter medications for acne include Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur and Resorcinol.

Benzoyl peroxide comes as gel, cream or washes form. When using this medication, mild drying and skin peeling may occur. Benzoyl peroxide is a strong medication and may bleach fabric or hair.

Salicylic acid is commonly sold with pads like Stri-dex pads. It is likewise used to treat dandruff, corns, warts, and calluses.

Sulfur peels and dries the skin to get rid of pimples. It is also effective for eliminating blackheads and whiteheads. Sulfur smells bad and may discolor the skin.

Resorcinol eliminates acne by breaking down hard and rough skin. It is also used to treat eczema and psoriasis. This medication is strong and using certain kind of soap and cleansers along with resorcinol should be avoided.

Several prescription medications are also easily available to combat acne. Some of these medications include Adapalene, Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Isotretinoin, Oral Antibiotics, Oral Contraceptives, Sodium Sulfacetamide, Tazorotene and Tretinoin.

These prescription medications are a lot stronger than their over the counter counterparts. But still, they take several weeks to work. It is best to work closely with a dermatologist because different acme conditions need very specific medication. And these prescription medications have strong side effects as well.

Among the prescription medications, the Isotretinoin, which is popularly marketed as Accutane, is the most powerful and prescribed for very severe cases of acne. Accutane is also one of the most expensive prescription medications in the market. Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative commonly taken as pill for 15-20 weeks to reduce the oil produced by the gland. Some of the side effects for this medication include liver ailment, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting and depression. This is also dangerous for pregnant women as birth defects can be a side effect.

Treating acne can be expensive. So the best way to deal with acne is by preventing it through good hygienic practice and proper diet.

For more information on acne and acne medications please visit Accutane and Acne

Tags: acne, pimples, zits

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