How to treat acne?

Everyone starts from home methods and from dietary supplements or preparations that can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription. If such actions do not bring results, then the time has come to consult a doctor. Most medical acne treatments achieve maximum effectiveness after 2-4 months and you can choose from several proven therapies.

Topical preparations

Topical preparations are most effective in mild to moderate acne. The product should be applied to the entire surface of the affected skin, not only to individual pimples. They are usually used once a day (in the evening) or twice a day (morning and evening). Topical preparations can cause skin irritation. In this case, it may help less use for a few days and then return to a higher frequency. Anti-acne agents for topical use are, for example, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (erythromycin, tetracycline, clindamycin), retinoids (tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene), azelaic acid and nicotinic acid amide.

Oral antibiotics

As a complementary treatment and enhancing effects, your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment in tablets. Most often it is erythromycin or tetracycline, which is used in combination in a suitable topical formulation. Antibiotic treatment must last for at least two months and is usually continued until the skin lesions completely disappear. As well as topical preparations, also oral antibiotics should be used strictly according to the doctor’s instructions.

Birth control pills

Birth control pills are an effective remedy for acne for women. The contraceptive pill works by blocking the secretion of hormones (cyproterone), which reduces the amount of sebum produced by the skin. Therapy of this kind should last at least 3-4 months. Tablets that prevent ovulation should not be used in girls whose ovulation process has not been fully developed.

isotretinoin

It is a powerful and effective anti-acne drug that works well in most people. Its use may be associated with the occurrence of many side effects, so it should be done only under the control of a dermatologist. Before the improvement occurs, the symptoms of acne often become more intense for several weeks.

Other acne treatments

Acne and laser therapy can be used to treat acne inflammation. However, these types of activities are usually ineffective in treating severe lesions. Laser skin smoothing is an effective method of reducing acne scars on the face and in this area is widely used.