Acne Health Center

Acne is often treated by dermatologists (doctors who specialize in skin problems). These doctors treat all kinds of acne, particularly severe cases. Doctors who are general or family practitioners, pediatricians, or internists may treat patients with milder cases of acne.

The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this disease. Drug treatment is aimed at reducing several problems that play a part in causing acne:

  • abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles 
  • increased oil production 
  • bacteria 
  • inflammation.

All medicines can have side effects. Some medicines and side effects are mentioned in this booklet. Some side effects may be more severe than others. You should review the package insert that comes with your medicine and ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about the possible side effects. Depending on the extent of the problem, the doctor may recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and/or prescription medicines. Some of these medicines may be topical (applied to the skin), and others may be oral (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using more than one topical medicine or combining oral and topical medicines.

Prescription medications are available for severe cases, usually oral or topical antibiotics, topical retioic acid (Retin-A) and prescrition strength benzoyl peroxide. Severe cystic acne can be treated with isotretinoin (Accutane) but severe side effects have been reported for some populations.

Reviewed by: 
Review Date: 
April 3, 2012
Last Updated:
June 28, 2013
Source:
dailyrx.com