When there is an outbreak of pimples that cover a significantly large skin area, medical acne treatment might be necessary. This is also applicable in cases in which red bumps, called nodules and cysts, appear on the skin. You should definitely see a dermatologist or your general healthcare provider if you have any of these forms of acne. They are highly unlikely to get better with over the counter remedies. Squeezing the pimples will only make matters worse. Moderate and severe acne is cured with the use of specific prescription treatments that have to be determined by a medical professional.

Much like with drugstore remedies, the prescription ones focus on the three major aspects of acne treatment; the unclogging of pores, the killing of bacteria in the blocked pores and the reduction of oil in the skin. There are different medications with active ingredients that can perform each of these functions. Your doctor will prescribe one, or a combination of them, depending on your specific case of acne.

The topical acne prescription treatments from the retinoid group are considered to be the most effective for pore unclogging. In many medications, the active ingredient is tretinoin. It is now used in smaller dosages than in the past, but it is equally effective. Other, more innovative, remedies have tazarotene or adapalene as the active retinoid ingredient. These show equally good results for pore unclogging. One of the latest medications from this group included both adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. It is considered to produce a faster and better effect given the antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide.

It is possible for your dermatologist to prescribe an oral retinoid treatment, if you have severe acne. Perhaps the most effective medications for nodules and cysts, in particular, are the ones containing isotretinoin. This particular retinoid serves a dual purpose. It is effective for unclogging the pores as well as for shrinking the oil glands that produce more oil, which blocks them. The drugs with isotretinoin have been around since the 1970’s and have been used for the successful curing of millions of people with severe and persistent acne. Still, it should be noted that patients with milder inflammatory acne who have been treated with such medications usually experience a relapse of the condition after the treatment stops.

There are different prescription antibiotics that are given to acne patients. The topically applied ones include erythromycin and clindamycin as well as azealic acid and sulfacetamide. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe you oral antibiotics, especially if your acne is severe. In most cases, acne patients take tetracycline, doxycycline or minocycline. Amoxicillin and cefadroxil are also known to produce good results.

There are also medications that are designed specifically for blocking the androgen receptors. In this way, the hormone cannot stimulate the skin oil glands to produce more oil. As a result, the blockage stops and acne is cured and prevented from reappearing. These medications are usually prescribed only to women who have specific hormonal problems. They are known to have some side effects, but younger patients have good tolerance for them.

Some women are also prescribed specific oral contraceptives that can aid for the treatment of acne. These prescription medications contain small dosages of estrogen. The increased level of this hormone in the body reduces the effect produced by testosterone. As a result, the production of oil by the oil glands is reduced and so is acne. It should be noted that contraceptives are usually used for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of this skin condition. They are most effective for preventing outbreaks of acne before or during the menstrual period.

The prescription medications for acne might not be the only component of the treatment. In some cases, in which the patient has large pimples or cysts of pus formed under their skin, the dermatologist usually uses cortisone injections to flatten them. The inflammation and soreness are reduced and the skin becomes smoother. In addition, the appearance of scars is prevented.

Irrespective of the prescription treatments for acne you use, you should be fully aware of their side effects. Most of them have mild to moderate negative effects on some patients. That is why it is important for you to get as much information as you can and to follow the prescribed treatment and advice of your doctor closely.

Author Bio: For more information about fast ways to get rid of acne and other dermatology issues, please visit Health Care Online at: http://www.healthsearchonline.com/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
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