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Treatment
General care of acne is relatively simple. The affected areas should be washed gently once or twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Heavy, frequent scrubbing or the use of anti-bacterial or abrasive soaps or alcohol pads does not stop acne and may only serve to further irritate the skin. Frequent touching of the affected area especially when accompanied by squeezing, pinching or picking can produce scars or dark spots on the skin. Water-based cosmetics are preferred over greasy products that have been proven to worsen acne. Even if there are no restrictions on specific foods such as chocolate, a healthy and balanced diet would always be beneficial not only to the skin but to the over-all well being of a person. Many acne drugs can make people more likely to sunburn thus it is best to avoid direct exposure to the sun as much as possible. Mild acne can be treated with topical drugs that work by either killing the bacteria or drying up or unclogging the pores. The antibiotics Clindamycin and Erythromycin are the two most commonly prescribed antibacterial. Another effective antibacterial which can be obtained with or without a prescription is Benzoyl Peroxide. In case topical antibacterial fail to control acne, doctors may use other topical prescription drugs that would work to unclog the pores. One of the most effective is Tretinoin but it can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive to sunlight. Drugs of this type should be used with caution, starting with low concentration and infrequent applications which can be gradually increased as needed. However, Benzoyl Peroxide and Tretinoin should never be applied together as the former inactivates the latter. More recently developed drugs that have the same effects as Tretinoin are Adapalene, Azelaic Acid and Tazarotene. Blackheads and whiteheads can be removed by a doctor. A sterile needle is often used to open a large pimple while other instruments can be used to drain clogged pores and pimples. Severe acne may require the use of oral antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline and Erythromycin. These drugs have potentially serious side effects thus it is important that it be taken only under the supervision of a doctor. The most severe acne may be treated with oral Isotretinoin when antibiotics fail to correct the condition. However, this drug should be strictly regulated as its use can harm a developing fetus. Women are required to take strict contraceptive measures so as not to become pregnant while under this specific treatment. Acne treatments for specific conditions such as those with worsening acne during menstrual periods are being used. In this case, oral contraceptives are advised to be used by the patient. This kind of treatment usually produces results within two to four months. Doctors sometimes inject Corticosteroids into large, inflamed nodules or abscesses. Some cases would require the doctor to cut the nodule or abscesses open to drain it. Suitable treatment of acne scars would depend on the shape, depth and location of the scars. The most commonly used procedures include chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion.
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The treatment of acne aims to accomplish four major aspects: heal pimple, stop new pimples from forming, prevent scarring and reduce the psychological effects related to having acne. Early treatment is considered the best way of preventing scars. The doctor can prescribe over-the-counter prescription drugs which can be taken orally or directly applied on the skin.