Treating acne is a simple process for many. It involves going to the drug store, picking up a topical treatment like benzoyl peroxide and applying it at home until the blemishes go away. However, it’s not so easy for some with severe or cystic acne. These tougher-to-treat forms of acne require hardcore treatments to get to the root of the problem, whether it be bacteria, oil or dead skin cells and eliminating the cause of your acne for good.
Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics can be taken to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Called P. acnes, this bacteria collects in the pores with oil and dead skin cells (a combination called sebum) and causes pimples. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline and erythromycin. These drugs all work by killing acne-causing bacteria. For severe cases of acne, a course is usually prescribed that spans several weeks, and is then tapered off to fewer doses for an additional few weeks to prevent a recurrence of the condition.
Birth Control Pills
For women with severe acne, birth control pills can offer a way to eliminate the problem. Though usually prescribed to prevent pregnancy, some oral contraceptives have the added benefit of reducing oil production and reducing acne blemishes. Only formulations that include a low-dose of estrogen have shown to be effective in treating acne. Higher doses tend to make acne worse.
Isotretinoin or Accutane
Isotretinoin is one of the strongest medications prescribed for treating acne. Often going by the brand name, Accutane, this drug is taken orally and works by shrinking the size of oil glands to prevent new blemishes from forming. A 20-week course of the drug is the standard prescription. This drug is made from vitamin A, and though effective, it can leave your skin permanently dry, requiring the use of ultra-hydrating moisturizers to prevent cracked, peeling skin. Isotretinoin carries serious side effects like depression and birth defects, so it’s important to discuss these with your doctor before opting for it as a treatment plan.
