Acne Medicine

Most cases of acne can be cured with over-the-counter medications. However, the most severe forms of acne will require a prescription drug to eliminate. The type needed will depend on each outbreak, and will be determined by a dermatologist. There are two types of acne medicine: systemic (internal), and topical (external). Topical medicine is nearly always attempted before systemic, which is usually reserved for the most severe cases.

Topical Medicine

Topical creams are used to target a specific bacteria called P. acnes, which is responsible for the majority of acne cases. Applied directly to the lesions, topical creams are generally used for mild and moderate cases of acne. However, for severe cases, topical cream may be used in conjunction with systemic medicine.

The most common acne medications are:

Benzoyl Peroxide: A bleaching agent that kills bacteria and ranges in strength from mild to strong. It comes in various prescription and over the counter creams, gels, lotions, and washes. Benzoyl peroxide has no anti inflammatory properties. While effective in healing acne, if used incorrectly, it an lead to skin burns and bleached hair.

Azelaic acid: This acid naturally occurs in the body and is used to treat both inflamed and non-inflammatory conditions. It has few side effects, the most common being skin irritation. Azelaic acid is used to kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. It also reduces peeling and inflammation.

Clindamycin: Much like azelaic acid, clindamycin is effective because it kills P. acnes and reduces inflammation. It is usually side effect free, but has been shown to cause skin dryness and irritation in some people.

Systemic medicine, like topical medicine, is used to treat acne. However, it given internally, usually through oral medication. Reserved for the more severe cases of acne, systemic medicine is usually reserved for persistent pustules, nodules, and cysts. There are many forms for systemic acne medicine, with a few being the most common.

Oral Antibiotics: Because acne is the result of a bacterial inflection, oral antibiotics are usually prescribed to people suffering from large patches of pustules, or from nodules or cysts. Oral antibiotics are usually taken in 6-week periods, starting with a large dosage and reducing towards the end of the cycle.

Isotretinoin: This is a very potent retinoid that is used for severe cases of cysts and nodules. Because cysts and nodules are so deep in the tissue and inflamed, isotretinoin is usually the only option for treatment.

Intersional Corticosteroid Injection: Corticosteroids have a long history of reducing inflammation in a wide array of problems. If severe acne, such as a nodule of cyst, progresses to a point that a rupture is suspected, a dermatologist may apply a diluted shot of corticosteroid in hopes of preventing rupture and the resulting scarring.