|
|
|
There are three main treatment types that are used for acne. Within each type people usually progress in strengths and methods of use.
The most frequently used by adolescents and in conjunction with other treatments are antibacterial agents. These can range from Clearasil lotions to antibiotic tablets. The purpose of these is to kill the bacteria that get clogged in the skins pores that then infects and causes the spots.
A lot of over the counter and open display pharmacy products are very low dose antibacterial solutions either in cream or spirit suspense. In the UK you can buy some products with Oxytetracycline in small quantities. However standard antibiotic tablets are prescription only in the UK. You may often start off with a low tetracycline or a specifically designed derivative such as Vibramycin or Minocin, both of which I have experienced. The aims of these are to have a low dose over a period of time until your skin is cleared of all bacterial agents. However, sometimes your body can build up a defence against the actual antibiotic and negate its benefit. You can also build up bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotics. This often happens when you are on long-term antibiotics. I have discovered that you should not be on one type of antibiotic for more than six months without at least a three-year gap as there will be no effect and you body will have an inner resistance to the medication.
Another type of medication that is mainly used for female sufferers is a hormone related drug. This can vary from the contraceptive pill to specific acne pills such as the "Diane" pill. These are often prescribed for acne that is inflamed with the menstrual cycle. I have heard of hormone suppressants being used but have no info on this.
The other main type of treatment is a Vitamin A compound. Vitamin A promotes the development of healthy skin. Every human uses its regenerative processes as sunlight works with beta-carotene to regenerate skin cells. It was used in the treatment of acne firstly in the beginning of the 1980's when it was found to help heal scarring and prevent further spots developing. Creams and gels are used topically for this purpose and products such as Retin A, Isotrex and Differin are commonly prescribed. These have products from the retinoid family suspended within them. This can be tretinoin in Retin A, isotretinoin in isotrex and adapalene in Differin. Each having a percentage of the product in differing strengths.
The other used medication along the vitamin A trail is Accutane or Roaccutane, which is the main tablet form of medication of isotretinoin. My previous page dealt with this.
It is worth remembering that for many people antibacterial agents are sufficient to cure their acne and if it does then great. However, for a small number of us we need to progress to other treatments. Don't be afraid to try different treatments. Even though accutane is promoted as a wonder drug to cure acne its worth noting that it has serious side effects and is a very powerful drug.
"You don't need a ten ton weight to crack every nut"
