Acne Treatment, Skin Care Reviews, Treatments

Acne can have serious repercussions in your life. Low self esteem, lack of social life and anxiety are some of the major problems, which are generally faced by people who suffer from acne. It is therefore important that this condition be treated, as soon as possible. As far as treatment of this condition is concerned, there are a number of ways, by which this condition can be treated. However, while you opt for a treatment, please do not expect any kind of magic. Acne treatment is a slow process and therefore, you should be prepared to wait for some time, before actual results show up. As a matter of fact, little improvement would be visible in the first two weeks, and it would take around three to four months to actually treat this condition. 

Most acne treatments tend to revolve around four basic areas, i.e. normalizing shedding in the pores in order to prevent blocking, destroying Propionibacterium acnes in the skin, reducing inflammatory effects and hormonal manipulation. In usual cases, not one but a combination of many therapies is administered to the patient. However, many of the treatments are accompanied with higher risks of certain side effects and hence a higher extent of monitoring is required in order to avoid such side effects. 

There are a number of treatment options, which are available for the treatment of this condition. Several bactericidal medicines with benzoyl peroxide are used for the treatment of acne. These medicines are usually available in the form of gel or cream, which has to be applied on the affected areas twice a day. Bar soaps or face washes may also be available with 2 to 10% content of benzoyl peroxide. Apart from being a  keratolytic, which dissolves keratin, this chemical also prevents the appearance of new lesions by destroying Propionibacterium acnes. The chemical has shown to have amazing results and in most cases, patients have shown remarkable reduction in acne within six weeks of use. The chemical also has great oxidizing properties, which means it is good for the skin in general as well. Other antibacterials such as triclosan, or chlorhexidine gluconate can also be effective in reducing pimples. 

External application of antibiotics like clindamycin, erythromycin, stievamycin, or tetracycline is also effective in destroying the bacteria, which grow in the blocked follicles. The topical use of antibiotics is believed to be equally effective in comparison to oral administration. Also, topical administration of antibiotics is not accompanied with side effects, like upset stomach or drug interactions. 

There are various oral antibiotics, which can be used for the treatment of this condition. Various antibiotics, such as erythromycin, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, lymecycline, or Trimethoprim are commonly used for the treatment of acne. However, reduction in the level of Propionibacterium acnes would not be of much use, unless adequate measures are taken to reduce oil secretion as well as abnormal cell behavior. These factors are stated to be the major causes of this condition. Also, these antibiotics are being rendered useless, as Propionibacterium acnes is getting more and more immune to such treatment. Apart from that the acne may soon return; at times within a few days of the completion of the treatment. Not only that, side effects, such as yellowing of teeth, as well as an imbalance in gut flora may also be visible. All these factors make oral antibiotics lesser popular in the treatment of acne skin. 

Hormonal treatment is another option, which is used for treating females with acne. The usual treatment involves a combination of oestrogen and progestogen, which has been quite effective in the treatment of acne. However, antiandrogen and Cyproterone, along with an oestrogen has been quite useful in the reduction of androgenic hormone levels. Apart from this, treatments with low dose of spironolactone can also be quite effective in the treatment of this condition. 

In case the pimples get larger and simple acne skin care products do not seem to work, then in that case, cortisone injection can also be an effective answer. This injection is injected directly into the pimple, resulting in an almost immediate reduction of redness as well as inflammation. The pimple would also get flattened as well. This would further help in the healing process. There are no side effects as such, except for temporary whitening of skin around the point of injection. It might also result in the formation of a small depression, which usually fills up, but might persist. There is also the risk of acne scars. 

Another major treatment option is that of Topical retinoids. Treatment options like tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene are some of the most commonly used options in this regard. These retinoids are accompanied with milder side effects. However, they may cause significant irritation on the skin. The retinoids are usually available in the form of ointments and creams, but are also available for oral intake as well. 

Apart from the above options, there are a number of other options, which are available for the treatment of this condition. Your dermatologist would suggest as to which one would suit you the best.