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Treatments for Acne



Treatment list for Acne:

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Acne includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Treatments of Acne: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review the full text of medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Acne.

Acne: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Patient education: Dispel common myths (e.g., acne is not caused by dirt or diet); counsel against behaviors that may worsen acne (e.g., picking at lesions, using oil-containing cosmetics/moisturizers); assess level of psychological distress
  • Topical therapies include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, retinoids, and salicylic acid
  • Intralesional steroids may be used to transiently decrease inflammation in severe acne
  • Systemic therapies include oral antibiotics and hormonal therapy (low-dose oral contraceptives)
  • Isotretinoin (AccutaneR ) may be used for severe cystic acne unresponsive to conventional therapy
    –Highly teratogenic; absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy
  • Dermatologist referral for disease that is refractory despite appropriate therapy; consideration of isotretinoin treatment; management of acne scars
  • READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Acne vulgaris: Treatment
    (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

    Current therapy for acne includes topical and oral agents. Topical retinoic acid (tretinoin) is the treatment of choice for noninflammatory acne consisting of open and closed comedones. Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial and is used primarily for inflammatory acne, including papules, pustules, and cysts. Topical antibiotics are effective for mild pustular and comedone acne. Tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, meclocycline, and benzamycin are all available in topical forms. Systemic antibiotics, such as tetracycline, minocycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, ampicillin, cephalosporins, co-trimoxazole, and systemic retinoids may help reduce the effects of acne.

    Systemic therapy consists primarily of antibiotics, usually tetracycline (which also exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect), to decrease bacterial growth until the patient is in remission; then a lower dosage is used for long-term maintenance.

    Alert  Tetracycline is contraindicated during pregnancy because it discolors the teeth of the fetus. Erythromycin and ampicillin are alternatives for these patients. Exacerbation of pustules or abscesses during either type of antibiotic therapy requires a culture to identify a possible secondary bacterial infection.

    Oral isotretinoin combats acne by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and keratinization. However, because of its severe adverse effects, the 16- to 20-week course of isotretinoin is limited to those with severe papulopustular or cystic acne who don’t respond to conventional therapy. Because this drug is known to cause birth defects, the manufacturer, with Food and Drug Administration approval, recommends the following precautions: pregnancy testing before dispensing; dispensing of only a 30-day supply; repeat pregnancy testing throughout the treatment period; effective contraception during treatment; and informed consent of the patient or parents regarding the drug’s adverse effects.

    A serum triglyceride level should be measured before therapy with isotretinoin begins and at intervals throughout its course.

    Females may benefit from the administration of estrogens to inhibit androgen activity. Improvement rarely occurs before 2 to 4 months, and exacerbations may follow its discontinuation. Unfortunately, the high estrogen doses that are required present a major risk of severe adverse effects.

    Other treatments for acne vulgaris include intralesional or oral corticosteroids, vitamin A and zinc supplements, exposure to ultraviolet light (but never when a photosensitizing agent such as tretinoin is being used), cryotherapy, and surgery.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Papular rash: Patient counseling
    (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

    Advise the patient to keep his skin clean and dry, to wear loose-fitting, nonirritating clothing, and to avoid scratching the rash. Instruct him to promptly report changes in the rash’s color, size, or configuration as well as the onset of itching or bleeding. Tell him to avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight and to apply a protective sunscreen before going outdoors.

    Warn patients with chronic conditions (such as SLE, psoriasis, or sarcoidosis) about the typical skin rashes that can develop. Tell them that these rashes can be an early sign of disease flare-up and that they should seek prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Acne vulgaris: Treatment
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    Commonly, acne is treated topically with an antibacterial (such as benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or erythromycin), alone or in combination with tretinoin (retinoic acid), a keratolytic, or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin may irritate the skin.

    Systemic therapy consists primarily of an antibiotic, usually tetracycline, to decrease bacterial growth until the patient is in remission; then a lower dose is used for long-term maintenance. Tetracycline is contraindicated during pregnancy and childhood because it discolors developing teeth. Erythromycin is an alternative for these patients. Exacerbation of pustules or abscesses during either type of antibiotic therapy requires a culture to identify a possible secondary bacterial infection.

    Oral isotretinoin combats severe acne by inhibiting sebaceous gland function and abnormal keratinization. Because of its severe adverse effects, the 16- to 20-week course of isotretinoin is limited to those with severe papulopustular or cystic acne who don’t respond to conventional therapy. (See Risks of isotretinoin therapy.)

    Females may benefit from taking birth control pills (such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen) or spironolactone because these drugs produce antiandrogenic effects. (See Hormonal therapy.)

    Other treatments for acne vulgaris include intralesional corticosteroid injections, exposure to ultraviolet light (but never when a photosensitizing agent, such as tretinoin, is being used), cryotherapy, and acne surgery.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Papular rash: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Advise the patient to keep his skin clean and dry, to avoid scratching the rash, and to wear loose-fitting, nonirritating clothing. Instruct him to promptly report any change in the rash’s color, size, or configuration as well as the onset of itching or bleeding. Also tell him to avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight and to apply a protective sunscreen before going outdoors.

    Warn patients with chronic conditions (such as SLE, psoriasis, or sarcoidosis) about the typical skin rashes that can develop. Tell them that these rashes can be an early sign of disease flare-up and that they should seek prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Pustular rash: Patient counseling
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Instruct the patient to keep his bathroom articles and linens separate from those of other family members. Associated pain and itching, altered body image, and the stress of isolation may result in anxiety, depression, and loss of sleep. Give medications to relieve pain and itching, and encourage the patient to express his feelings.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Papular rash: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Apply cool compresses or an antipruritic lotion.

    ▪ Administer an antihistamine for allergic reactions and an antibiotic for infection.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Teach the patient appropriate skin care measures.

    ▪ Explain ways to reduce itching.

    ▪ Discuss signs and symptoms that require medical attention.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Pustular rash: Nursing considerations
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    ▪ Observe wound and skin isolation procedures until infection is ruled out by a Gram stain or culture and sensitivity test of the pustule's contents.

    ▪ If the organism is infectious, don't allow drainage to touch unaffected skin.

    ▪ Give medications to relieve pain and itching, and encourage the patient to express his feelings.

    Patient teaching

    ▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

    ▪ Explain methods to prevent the spread of infection.

    ▪ Discuss ways to relieve pain and itching.

    READ FULL BOOK TEXT ONLINE »

    Medications used to treat Acne:

    Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

    Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Acne include:

    • Macrolide antibiotics
    • C-Solve 2
    • Emgel
    • Erycette
    • Eryderm
    • Erygel
    • A/T/S
    • Staticin
    • Benzamycin
    • E-Solve 2
    • Akne-Mycin
    • Erymax
    • T-Stat
    • Sans-Acne
    • Stievamycin
    • Demeclocycline
    • Declomycin
    • Ledemicina
    • Minocycline
    • Dynacin
    • Minocin
    • Alti-Minocycline
    • Apo-Minocycline
    • Gen-Minoycline
    • Novo-Minocycline
    • PMS-Minocycline
    • Rhoxal-minocycline
    • Tiseb
    • Salicylic Acid
    • NeoCeuticals Acne Spot Treatment
    • Neutrogena Acne Wash
    • Neutrogena On The Spot Acne Patch
    • Palmer's Skin Success Acne Cleanser
    • Zapyl Acne Wash
    • Zapzyt Pore Treatment
    • Oxy Balance
    • Oxy Balance Deep Forte
    • Propa pH
    • Stri-dex
    • Stri-dex Body Focus
    • Stri-dex Facewipes To Go
    • Stri-dex Maximum Strength
    • Sulfur and Salicylic Acid
    • Aveeno Cleansing Bar
    • Fostex
    • SAStid Plain Therapeutic Shampoo and Acne Wash
    • Allantoin
    • Alphosyl
    • Curacel Acne and Pimple Gel
    • Resorcinol
    • Acne and Pimple Gel

    Unlabelled alternative drug treatments include:

    • Dexamethasone - mainly used to treat androgenic cases in females

    Medical news summaries about treatments for Acne:

    The following medical news items are relevant to treatment of Acne:

    Discussion of treatments for Acne:

    Health Topics Questions and Answers About Acne: NIDDK (Excerpt)

    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, and inflammation. Depending on the extent of the person's acne, the doctor will recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or prescription medicines that are topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using more than one topical medicine or combining oral and topical medicines.

    Treatment for Blackheads, Whiteheads, and Mild Inflammatory Acne

    Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical medication for people with mild signs of acne. Topical medicine is applied directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin.

    Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Each works a little differently. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing P. acnes and may reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.

    In some patients, OTC acne medicines may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. Some people find that the side effects lessen or go away with continued use of the medicine. Severe or prolonged side effects should be reported to the doctor.

    OTC topical medicines are somewhat effective in treating acne when used regularly. Patients must keep in mind that it can take 8 weeks or more before they notice their skin looks and feels better.

    Treatment for Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Acne

    Patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription topical or oral medicines, alone or in combination.

    Prescription Topical Medicines

    Several types of prescription topical medicines are used to treat acne, including antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. Antibiotics and azelaic acid help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Tretinoin, a type of drug called a retinoid that contains an altered form of vitamin A, is an effective topical medicine for stopping the development of new comedones. It works by unplugging existing comedones, thereby allowing other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. The doctor may also prescribe newer retinoids or retinoid-like drugs, such as tazarotene or adapalene, that help decrease comedo formation.

    Like OTC topical medicines, prescription topical medicines come as creams, lotions, solutions, or gels. The doctor will consider the patient's skin type when prescribing a product. Creams and lotions provide moisture and tend to be good for people with sensitive skin. Gels and solutions are generally alcohol based and tend to dry the skin. Therefore, patients with very oily skin or those who live in hot, humid climates may prefer them. The doctor will tell the patient how to apply the medicine and how often to use it.

    Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical medicines. Initially, the skin may look worse before improving. Common side effects include stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. With some medicines, like retinoids, these side effects usually decrease or go away after the medicine is used for a period of time. Patients should report prolonged or severe side effects to their doctor. Between 4 and 8 weeks will most likely pass before patients see their skin improve.

    Prescription Oral Medicines

    For patients with moderate to severe acne, the doctor often prescribes oral antibiotics (taken by mouth). Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Prescription oral and topical medicines may be combined. For example, benzoyl peroxide may be combined with clindamycin, erythromycin, or sulfur. Other common antibiotics used to treat acne are tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline. Some people have side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as an increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, and changes in skin color. Tetracycline is not given to pregnant women, nor is it given to children under 8 years of age because it might discolor developing teeth. Tetracycline and minocycline may also decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, a backup or another form of birth control may be needed. Prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

    Treatment for Severe Nodular or Cystic Acne

    People with nodules or cysts should be treated by a dermatologist. For patients with severe inflammatory acne that does not improve with medicines such as those described above, a doctor may prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane*), a retinoid. Isotretinoin is an oral drug that is usually taken once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20 weeks. It markedly reduces the size of the oil glands so that much less oil is produced. As a result, the growth of bacteria is decreased.

    * Brand names included in this booklet are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that these products are endorsed by the National Institutes of Health or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular brand name is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.

    Advantages of Isotretinoin (Accutane)

    Isotretinoin is a very effective medicine that can help prevent scarring. After 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with isotretinoin, acne completely or almost completely goes away in up to 90 percent of patients. In those patients where acne recurs after a course of isotretinoin, the doctor may institute another course of the same treatment or prescribe other medicines.

    Disadvantages of Isotretinoin (Accutane)

    Isotretinoin can cause birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. It is important that women of childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. Women must use two separate effective forms of birth control at the same time for 1 month before treatment begins, during the entire course of treatment, and for 1 full month after stopping the drug. They should ask their doctor when it is safe to get pregnant after they have stopped taking Accutane.

    Some people with acne become depressed by the changes in the appearance of their skin. Changes in mental health may be intensified during treatment or soon after completing a course of medicines like Accutane. A doctor should be consulted if a person feels unusually sad or has other symptoms of depression, such as loss of appetite or trouble concentrating.

    Other possible side effects include dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose, or skin; itching; nosebleeds; muscle aches; sensitivity to the sun; and, sometimes, poor night vision. More serious side effects include changes in the blood, such as an increase in triglycerides and cholesterol, or a change in liver function. To make sure Accutane is stopped if side effects occur, the doctor monitors blood studies that are done before treatment is started and periodically during treatment. Side effects usually go away after the medicine is stopped.

    Treatments for Hormonally Influenced Acne in Women

    Clues that help the doctor determine whether acne in an adult woman is due to an excess of androgen hormones are hirsutism (excessive growth of hair in unusual places), premenstrual acne flares, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated blood levels of certain androgens. The doctor may prescribe one of several drugs to treat women with this type of acne. Low-dose estrogen birth control pills help suppress the androgen produced by the ovaries. Low-dose corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, may suppress the androgen produced by the adrenal glands. Finally, the doctor may prescribe an antiandrogen drug, such as spironolactone (Aldactone). This medicine reduces excessive oil production. Side effects of antiandrogen drugs may include irregular menstruation, tender breasts, headache, and fatigue.

    Other Treatments for Acne

    Doctors may use other types of procedures in addition to drug therapy to treat patients with acne. For example, the doctor may remove the patient's comedones during office visits. Sometimes the doctor will inject cortisone directly into lesions to help reduce the size and pain of inflamed cysts and nodules.

    Early treatment is the best way to prevent acne scars. Once scarring has occurred, the doctor may suggest a medical or surgical procedure to help reduce the scars. A superficial laser may be used to treat irregular scars. Another kind of laser allows energy to go deeper into the skin and tighten the underlying tissue and plump out depressed scars. Dermabrasion (or microdermabrasion), which is a form of "sanding down" scars, is sometimes combined with the subsurface laser treatment. Another treatment option for deep scars caused by cystic acne is the transfer of fat from one part of the body to the face. (Source: excerpt from Health Topics Questions and Answers About Acne: NIDDK)

    Questions and Answers About Acne: NIAMS (Excerpt)

    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, and inflammation. Depending on the extent of the person's acne, the doctor will recommend one of several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or prescription medicines that are topical (applied to the skin) or systemic (taken by mouth). The doctor may suggest using more than one topical medicine or combining oral and topical medicines.

    Treatment for Blackheads, Whiteheads, and Mild Inflammatory Acne

    Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical medication for people with mild signs of acne. Topical medicine is applied directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin.

    Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Each works a little differently. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing P. acnes and may reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.

    In some patients, OTC acne medicines may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. Some people find that the side effects lessen or go away with continued use of the medicine. Severe or prolonged side effects should be reported to the doctor.

    OTC topical medicines are somewhat effective in treating acne when used regularly. Patients must keep in mind that it can take 8 weeks or more before they notice their skin looks and feels better.

    Treatment for Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Acne

    Patients with moderate to severe inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription topical or oral medicines, alone or in combination.

    Prescription Topical Medicines

    Several types of prescription topical medicines are used to treat acne, including antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. Antibiotics and azelaic acid help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Tretinoin, a type of drug called a retinoid that contains an altered form of vitamin A, is an effective topical medicine for stopping the development of new comedones. It works by unplugging existing comedones, thereby allowing other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. The doctor may also prescribe newer retinoids or retinoid-like drugs, such as tazarotene or adapalene, that help decrease comedo formation.

    Like OTC topical medicines, prescription topical medicines come as creams, lotions, solutions, or gels. The doctor will consider the patient's skin type when prescribing a product. Creams and lotions provide moisture and tend to be good for people with sensitive skin. Gels and solutions are generally alcohol based and tend to dry the skin. Therefore, patients with very oily skin or those who live in hot, humid climates may prefer them. The doctor will tell the patient how to apply the medicine and how often to use it.

    Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical medicines. Initially, the skin may look worse before improving. Common side effects include stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. With some medicines, like retinoids, these side effects usually decrease or go away after the medicine is used for a period of time. Patients should report prolonged or severe side effects to their doctor. Between 4 and 8 weeks will most likely pass before patients see their skin improve.

    Prescription Oral Medicines

    For patients with moderate to severe acne, the doctor often prescribes oral antibiotics (taken by mouth). Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Prescription oral and topical medicines may be combined. For example, benzoyl peroxide may be combined with clindamycin, erythromycin, or sulfur. Other common antibiotics used to treat acne are tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline. Some people have side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as an increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, and changes in skin color. Tetracycline is not given to pregnant women, nor is it given to children under 8 years of age because it might discolor developing teeth. Tetracycline and minocycline may also decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, a backup or another form of birth control may be needed. Prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

    Treatment for Severe Nodular or Cystic Acne

    People with nodules or cysts should be treated by a dermatologist. For patients with severe inflammatory acne that does not improve with medicines such as those described above, a doctor may prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane*), a retinoid. Isotretinoin is an oral drug that is usually taken once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20 weeks. It markedly reduces the size of the oil glands so that much less oil is produced. As a result, the growth of bacteria is decreased.

    * Brand names included in this booklet are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that these products are endorsed by the National Institutes of Health or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular brand name is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.

    Advantages of Isotretinoin (Accutane)

    Isotretinoin is a very effective medicine that can help prevent scarring. After 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with isotretinoin, acne completely or almost completely goes away in up to 90 percent of patients. In those patients where acne recurs after a course of isotretinoin, the doctor may institute another course of the same treatment or prescribe other medicines.

    Disadvantages of Isotretinoin (Accutane)

    Isotretinoin can cause birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. It is important that women of childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. Women must use two separate effective forms of birth control at the same time for 1 month before treatment begins, during the entire course of treatment, and for 1 full month after stopping the drug. They should ask their doctor when it is safe to get pregnant after they have stopped taking Accutane.

    Some people with acne become depressed by the changes in the appearance of their skin. Changes in mental health may be intensified during treatment or soon after completing a course of medicines like Accutane. A doctor should be consulted if a person feels unusually sad or has other symptoms of depression, such as loss of appetite or trouble concentrating.

    Other possible side effects include dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose, or skin; itching; nosebleeds; muscle aches; sensitivity to the sun; and, sometimes, poor night vision. More serious side effects include changes in the blood, such as an increase in triglycerides and cholesterol, or a change in liver function. To make sure Accutane is stopped if side effects occur, the doctor monitors blood studies that are done before treatment is started and periodically during treatment. Side effects usually go away after the medicine is stopped.

    Treatments for Hormonally Influenced Acne in Women

    Clues that help the doctor determine whether acne in an adult woman is due to an excess of androgen hormones are hirsutism (excessive growth of hair in unusual places), premenstrual acne flares, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated blood levels of certain androgens. The doctor may prescribe one of several drugs to treat women with this type of acne. Low-dose estrogen birth control pills help suppress the androgen produced by the ovaries. Low-dose corticosteroid drugs, such as prednisone or dexamethasone, may suppress the androgen produced by the adrenal glands. Finally, the doctor may prescribe an antiandrogen drug, such as spironolactone (Aldactone). This medicine reduces excessive oil production. Side effects of antiandrogen drugs may include irregular menstruation, tender breasts, headache, and fatigue. (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Acne: NIAMS)

    Acne: NWHIC (Excerpt)

    There are many treatments for common acne. Many are mild with few side effects. Others cause dangerous side effects in some women. The trick is to use the mildest treatment that works for you.

    Over-the-counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide help prevent whiteheads and blackheads from forming and kill the bacteria that cause pimples. They are good to treat mild acne.

    For more severe cases, a health care provider can prescribe antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid, a Vitamin A derivative that helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads from forming. Antibiotic pills are also helpful. Some women break out mainly around their menstrual periods, so taking antibiotic pills right around that time monthly can help. Retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can sensitize skin to the sun, so it's important to wear sunscreen and avoid the sun while using them.

    For severe, scarring acne with large pimples called cysts, isotretinoin (Accutane ®) can be used. This is powerful medication that also causes severe birth defects. For this reason, it should only be used for severe acne when other treatments are not working. It should be prescribed and monitored by a knowledgeable health care provider. Side effects include dry eyes and mouth, and blood test abnormalities. Never take Accutane ® that was prescribed for someone else. (Source: excerpt from Acne: NWHIC)

    Acne: NWHIC (Excerpt)

    Some birth control pills can make acne better. This is because the hormones in the pill can balance out the hormones that are causing the oily sebum, which causes acne. If you have other reasons to use the birth control pill, ask your health care provider about choosing a pill, which can also help your acne. Some women have hormonal imbalances in which the birth control pill might be the first choice to treat acne even if they don't need it to prevent pregnancy. Talk it over with your health care provider. (Source: excerpt from Acne: NWHIC)

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