Prescription acne medications are one of many options used today to clear acne and clean skin. Topical medications,
medications that are applied to the skin, may be prescribed for mild to severe acne. Systemic
therapies, medicines that work internally, are needed to treat severe acne and may be used for
moderate cases. These medications, which play an important role in home acne treatment, attack the
different factors that lead to acne. To achieve long-term control and resolution, dermatologists
may combine therapies.
Systemic therapies include:
For people with persistent acne from moderate to severe, oral antibiotics have been a mainstay of
therapy for years. Like topical antimicrobials, oral antibiotics fight to reduce the P. acnes
population (a contributing factor in acne), which decreases inflammation. Treatment with oral
antibiotics usually begins with a higher dosage, which is reduced as acne resides. Generally,
antibiotics are prescribed for six months or less.
Over time, the P. acnes bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic being used to treat it. When
resistance occurs, acne is no longer controlled, another antibiotic or alternative treatment can be / should be prescribed.
Oral contraceptives have been shown to effectively clear acne in women by suppressing the overactive
sebaceous glands and can be used as long-term acne therapy.
Topical Medications include:
Topical antimicrobials work to inhibit the P. acnes populations and are used to treat patients with mild
to moderately severe inflammatory acne. They may be used alone or combined with a medication that works
on another factor that leads to acne aside from P. acnes. A dermatologist can determine whether a topical
antimicrobial is appropriate for a patient and if so which topical antimicrobial should be prescribed.
Prescribed to treat acne ranging from mild to moderately severe, topical retinoids are a derivative of
vitamin A and considered a cornerstone in acne treatment. Retinoids work to unclog pores and prevent
whiteheads and blackheads from forming. Topical retinoids can irritate the skin and increase sun
sensitivity so it is important to use sun protection and follow the dermatologist’s directions to
maximize effectiveness. An added benefit in using topical retinoids is that they may help diminish the
signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. |
