Overview
Acne can be frustrating, embarrassing, painful and, in severe cases, can even lead to scarring. While the American Academy of Dermatologists (AAD) cautions that acne treatments aren’t instantaneous—they must be ongoing and they take time to work—there are still many ways to help clear up your acne and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Topical Creams
According to the AAD, topical creams are the typical method of caring for mild acne. Many dermatologists may recommend or prescribe benzoyl peroxide which helps kill the bacteria that lead to infection, antibiotics, salicylic acid, a drying agent, and retinoids. Some of these creams are also available over-the-counter, though prescription forms are generally more concentrated.
Birth Control Pills
For women, birth control pills can often offer acne relief, says the AAD. Estrogen in birth control pills can help control male hormones—which all women have to a smaller degree than men—that might be contributing to a woman’s acne problem. Male hormones such as testosterone are responsible for increased oiliness of the skin, which can lead to trapped dirt and bacteria, clogged pores and infection.
Oral Antibiotics
AcneNet, a website maintained by the AAD, states that oral antibiotics are often effective treatments for severe acne. These medications kill P. acnes, the bacteria that cause inflammation and infection. Oral antibiotics are generally prescribed for relatively short periods of time—six months or less, according to AcneNet.
Procedures
There are a few physical procedures that can help treat acne. AcneNet lists chemical peels, which use chemicals to remove the first layers of skin, comedo extraction which is the removal of acne with a small, sterile device, and light therapy as possible mechanisms for treating existing lesions. The AAD notes that while light therapy can help kill bacteria, self-treatment using sunlight generally doesn’t reduce acne and, in fact, can exacerbate symptoms.
Isotretinoin
According to the Mayo Clinic, deep cysts may not respond to antibiotics. A medication called isotretinoin (Accutane) can help reduce deep cystic acne. Particularly because deep acne has a high potential to scar, Accutane may prevent long-term symptoms resulting from severe cases of acne. The Mayo Clinic cautions that Accutane causes birth defects, so it isn’t an option for pregnant women. Women of child-bearing age must be on two forms of birth control before being prescribed this powerful medication.
