Acne or acne vulgaris is a skin disorder faced by most people across the world, irrespective of their age, sex or ethnic. It causes skin eruption and inflammation with the formation of pimples, papules, pustules or comedones mainly on the body's visible areas like face, neck, chest and back. One of the major reasons for acne is excessive production of sebum, an oily secretion from the sebaceous glands present in the skin. These glands get stimulated due to release of androgen hormone which blocks the exit from the glands, causing an oil build up and acne formation.
Apart from this, hormonal changes, stress, psychological disturbances, unhealthy lifestyle and even use of certain medication like steroids or the contraceptive pills, can all lead to acne formation. However, to control and cure acne there are variety of acne skin care products available nowadays, but which is the best amongst them can be difficult to decide.
Best Prescription Medication for Acne
A good acne treatment medication is one that can slow down oil production, remove or dry oil from the skin and help in clearing the acne scars and marks. Hence the medication for acne given below plays an essential role in treating acne by combating the various factors that lead to acne.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are usually given to patients with mild to severe acne or persistent acne. These medications work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria causing acne called P. acnes, reducing the inflammation and opening of the blocked pores. Common oral antibiotics include:
- Erythromycin: Erythromycin is an effective oral antibiotics that fight a broad spectrum of acne causing bacteria, including P. acnes that block the sebaceous gland with sebum.
- Tetracycline: Tetracycline and its derivatives like doxycycline and minocycline are used to treat moderate to severe acne, as well as reduce the papules and pustules (inflammatory lesions) of acne.
- Sodium sulfacetamide: Sodium sulfacetamide is a topical antibiotic which is effective in treating inflammatory acne. It works by inhibiting the growth P. acnes and opening the clogged or blocked pores.
Just like topical antibiotics, antimicrobials are also commonly used to treat mild to severe acne. They work by suppressing the P. acnes bacteria population and other factors that lead to acne.
- Clindamycin: Clindamycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that works by killing P. acnes, and reducing the skin inflammation.
- Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid cures inflammatory and non inflammatory acne by subduing the populations of P. acnes, reducing the abnormal shedding of skin cells and inflammation.
- Benzoyl peroxide: Similarly, benzoyl peroxide which comes in a gel, lotion, cleanser, cream and wash works by combating P. acnes that clogs the sebaceous glands with sebum.
Topical retinoids, considered to be the best acne treatment products, are used for treating mild to moderately severe acne and keep them from coming again. These medications are derivative of vitamin A and work by opening clogged pores and preventing whiteheads and blackheads from forming.
- Adapalene: Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid that comes either in gel or cream form and possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties for unclogging the pores.
- Tazarotene: Tazarotene is another synthetic retinoid that comes either in gel or cream form and is effective in clearing clogged pores and treating acne.
- Tretinoin: Tretinoin is one of the most oldest and commonly used retinoids that not only unclogs the blocked pores but also keep them from clogging in future.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is an oral retinoid that is used to treat scarring cystic acne or acne which do not respond to other medication. This medication is very powerful and should only be taken under a dermatologist's recommendation.
Topical Combination Therapy
As the name says, topical combination therapy includes medication formed by combining topical antibiotics with other acne fighting ingredients. This medication benefits by killing acne causing bacteria, keeping the pores clear and reducing the abnormal shedding of skin cells. This combination mainly includes:
- Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin)
- BenzaClin (benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin)
- Duac (benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin)
- Sulfacet-R (sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur)
- Ziana (tretinoin and clindamycin)
Though surprisingly, research shows that oral contraceptives or birth control pills are quite effective for acne prevention and control in women as they work by simply suppressing the highly active sebaceous glands.
These were some of the best types of prescription acne medication that can help you get rid of acne and those ugly acne scares, and prevent them from reoccurring. Apart from these medications for acne control, you can also try some home remedies in order to remove acne scars naturally. Remember, before opting for any of these acne medications, consult your dermatologist regarding their various pros and cons as some of them have been reported to cause side effects like skin irritations, redness, itching, etc.
Prescription Medication for Treatment of Acne ACZONE
aczone.comACZONE (dapsone) Gel 5% is FDA approved to treat acne and backed by clinical studies. Learn more, find a dermatologist, and see if ACZONE Gel is right for you.
Prescription acne medications - Forums - The Regimen Instructions
www.acne.org/messageboard/forum/4-prescription-acne-medicationsPrescription acne medications: Discuss acne medications that require a prescription from a doctor, including Accutane (isotretinoin), retinoids, antibiotics, etc.
Acne Medications - Topical Prescription Acne Medications
acne.about.com Treatment OptionsNeed an acne treatment more powerful than those you can find at your department store? A prescription topical acne medication might be right for you. Learn more
5 Prescription Acne Treatments - Best Acne Treatment Review
acnetreatmentresearch.org/5-prescription-acne-treatmentsIf home remedies and over-the-counter treatments no longer work in getting rid of acne, try these prescription acne treatments.
prescription acne medications
fromyourdoctor.com/topic.do?title=Acne+Medications+Prescription&t=...We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us.
Acne Medication Drugs.com
www.drugs.com/condition/acne.htmlCompare Acne medications. Comprehensive Acne drug options for consumers and professionals including user ratings, reviews and drug dosage information.
Prescription Medications for Acne - Info & Reviews
www.acne.org/prescriptionWhat is it: Made under the brand name "Differin," it is a topical retinoid gel which is applied once a day. 1-2 It comes in .1% and .3% strength.
Top Prescription Acne Medications Reviewed
www.facingacne.com/top-prescription-acne-treatments-reviewedPrescription acne medication is a must for the most severe cases of acne. For mild to moderate common acne, however, other combinations of treatments sometimes get ...
From WebMD: Teen Acne and Prescription Treatments
www.webmd.com Skin Problems & Treatments Health CenterIf over-the-counter acne products dont clear your teens acne, it may be time to consider prescription treatments. Heres acne treatment information for teens ...
Acne Treatment - Acne Center - Everyday Health
www.everydayhealth.com/acne/prescription-acne-treatment.aspxThere are many treatments for acne-affected skin: retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, topical sulfur products, or a combination. Get more info.
Acne Treatment
www.acneacademy.org/acne-treatmentYour default description here ... What are the goals of treating acne? There is currently no complete cure for acne, but the treatments that are available can ...
Natural Acne Treatments and Real Diet Information!
www.absoluteacneinfo.comAbsolute Acne Info: Natural Treatment Information and a Guide to Clear Skin! Click here for our recommended natural acne treatments guide -> Step by step help
Order Acne Treatment Buy Retin A Prescription Retin A Cream
retin.co.ukBuy Retin a cream and Retin A gel. Prescription Retina A the most effective acne treatment.
Acne Treatment - Acne Medicine & Acne Solution from Acne
www.acne-reviews.orgAcne Treatment. Acne Medicine & Acne Solution from Acne-Reviews.org. At Acne-Reviews, we look at what is in leading products that helps them clear up your skin.
The Acne Medicine
www.theacnemedicine.comThe Acne Medicine offers many useful articles and tips about acne treatment and how to get rid of your acne scars.
FSA Eligible with prescription Acne Medications (Face & Body)
fsastore.com/Acne-Medications-Face-Body-C185.aspxBuy FSA Eligible with prescription Acne Medications (Face & Body) items at FSAstore.com
Acne Guide
www.acneguide.comAcne Guide is designed to help you understand your skin condition more clearly, define the different types of acne, to provide information about preventing acne ...
Acne Treatments LIVESTRONG.COM
www.livestrong.com Skincare & BeautyImprove your health, lifestyle, diet nutrition with Acne Treatments news, facts, tips, other information. Educate yourself about Acne Treatments help yourself and ...
Best Acne Scar Creams and Treatments of 2013
www.acnescarcreamreviews.comAcne is a common skin problem that affects over 75% of teenagers and young adults in their early to late twenties, and as much as 7% of older adults.
The Natural Acne Treatment Guide
www.acnetreatmentsystem.orgAcne Treatment System shows you how to achieve beautiful, clear and healthy skin without any chemicals or drugs. Includes reviews of the best treatments for adult and ...
Best Acne Treatment - 3 Tiered Anti-Acne Program
www.ebestacnetreatment.comBest Acne Treatment Adult 3 Tiered Program FREE - Learn how to get rid of acne FAST. Big Improvements in 3 DAYS! 3 SECRETS your doctor won't share
Acne Medications Murad Acne Resource & Treatment Center
resource.murad.com/acne/about-treatments/acne-medicationsWhat are the best acne medications and ingredients to get rid of acne? Acne medication advice and explanations to help you find the right acne treatment.
Acne (Pimples) Treatment, Removal of Scars, Causes, Prevention
www.medicinenet.com/acne/article.htmRead about acne treatment, medication side effects, and learn what causes zits and what prevents pimples. Plus, get information about scar removal.
Acne Treatment Reviews Best Acne Products 2012
www.acneskinguide.comCompare natural acne treatment reviews on the best acne products on the market and educate yourself about acne.
