The main objectives of the treatment of acne - reducing the activity of the sebaceous glands, acceleration of cell renewal of the skin, the fight against bacterial infections (if they are the cause of acne), and / or reduce inflammation. With most tools for the treatment of acne results are visible only after four to eight weeks, and before that the skin condition may worsen.
Medications against acne
OTC drugs point. Various creams and lotions against acne to dry skin can kill bacteria and promote the exfoliation of dead skin cells. The active ingredients of OTC Acne usually contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. They help if acne is not a lot and they appear from time to time. Side effects of anti-acne may be skin irritation, dryness and peeling of the strong; usually after the first month of treatment they undergo.
Prescription drugs point. If OTC anti acne do not help, you need to see a doctor, so he wrote a stronger medication. Tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene are examples of preparations of vitamin A. They promote skin regeneration and then prevent blocking fat and various contaminants. There are also antibiotic ointments and lotions which effectively kill bacteria on the skin.
Often, to achieve optimal results, a combination of several different drugs. So, there are a number of drugs, which include a combination of benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics in various doses, such as benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin (Benzaclin, Duac, Acanya) and benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin (Benzamycin). Dapsone gel (Aczone) - a new tool against acne, which is particularly effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne. Prescription drugs for acne spot may cause side effects such as itching, burning, redness and peeling. To reduce these side effects to a minimum, can be used various measures, including the gradual increase in the dose of the drug flushing soon after application, or regular switching to another drug.
Antibiotics
. If spots appear often and in large quantities, if they are large and / or painful, that is, the patient moderate or severe acne, you may need a short course of oral antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria living on the skin and reduce inflammation
. Since there is a high probability of developing resistance to antibiotics, doctors usually recommend to stop taking them as soon as improvement, or when it becomes clear that the drugs do not help - usually within three to four months after the start of
. In most cases, at the same time point and used oral antibiotics
. Studies have shown that the use of ointments or lotions to the benzoyl peroxide with oral antibiotics may reduce the risk of developing resistance to antibiotics
. Do antibiotics may be side effects such as upset stomach, dizziness or skin diskoloratsiya
. Furthermore, they may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, but also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
.
Isotretinoin - a powerful drug that is usually used when other treatments do not help acne. It is very effective, but it must be taken under the constant supervision of a doctor - because of the probability of occurrence of serious side effects. Isotretinoin is associated with the development of severe birth defects, so it is not recommended for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant during treatment or in the weeks after treatment.
Side effects of isotretinoin may also be dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose, and skin, as well as itching, nosebleeds, muscle pain, sensitivity to sunlight, and the deterioration of the ability to see in the dark. The drug can also increase the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and stimulate the production of excessive liver enzymes.
Additionally, isotretinoin may be associated with an increased risk of developing depression
Depression - a little more than a bad mood
and suicide. Although a causal relationship has not been proven here, doctors are very closely monitoring the psychological state of patients taking isotretinoin.
Oral contraceptives can be effective in the treatment of acne
Acne Treatment - proper care of inflamed skin
among women. However, oral contraceptives have unpleasant side effects such as headaches, breast tenderness, nausea and depression; moreover, their reception result is a slightly increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and blood clots.
Laser and light therapy. Special techniques allow to influence the deeper layers of skin without damaging its surface. It is believed that laser damages sebaceous glands causing them to produce less fat. The effectiveness of such procedures in the treatment of acne is ambiguous; moreover, their significant drawback is a longer recovery period and temporal skin problems like sunburn.
Cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion can also be useful in the fight against acne. Traditionally, they are used to eliminate small wrinkles and scars, but in combination with other acne treatments, such procedures can be effective against acne.
Daily care
Wash problem areas with a mild detergent. Scrubs, alcohol-based lotions and other aggressive agents should not be used to care for problem skin, so they can worsen her condition. In addition, even with very oily skin should not wash your face more than twice a day. Those who have acne often appear along the hairline may be more likely to wash my hair.
Avoid irritants. Oily cosmetics, hair styling and other cosmetic products may contribute to acne. Use only nekomedogennuyu makeup that does not block pores. In some people, exposure to sunlight contributes to acne. Additionally, some treatment for acne make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using such means necessary to limit their stay in the open air in good weather, as well as the use of special means of protection from sunlight.
Do not squeeze pimples. This advice may seem obvious, but many people, regardless of age, it is difficult to restrain the desire to squeeze a pimple. When a large contact a dermatologist for acne; forcing them yourself, you increase the risk of scarring and skin contact with various infections.
Other tools
Tea tree oil. Gels with a five percent concentration of tea tree oil may not be less effective than lotions with the same concentration of benzoyl peroxide, although tea tree oil
Tea tree oil
It acts slowly. Since tea tree oil can cause contact dermatitis, and also because it is not recommended for certain types of acne before use it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.
Alpha-hydroxy acid. These natural acids are found in foods such as citrus fruits, sugar cane, apples and grapes. They help to remove dead skin cells and make less visible scars from acne
Acne: facial trouble
. In some cases, the alpha-hydroxy cause redness, burning, and irritation of the skin.
Azelaic acid, which is contained in the whole grain, as well as in products of animal origin, has antibacterial properties and also can help to prevent acne.
Nutritional supplements with zinc. Zinc promotes healing of wounds, and has the property to reduce the inflammation.
Brewer's yeast - a popular dietary supplement, often used to treat acne.