Acne Medication Depends on the Severity of the Condition

 Most acne is quite responsive to treatment, especially when treated early on before the condition of the skin gets worse. There is acne medication suitable for different severity levels so you must be evaluated by a dermatologist if your acne is more than just a mild case. Treatment is needed for acne to not only prevent permanent scarring but also to alleviate any redness, swelling and pain as well as lower your anxiety levels caused by noticeable acne.

Over the Counter Options

Over the counter topical acne medication is often the first step in treating the breakouts and it may take several weeks before there is noticeable improvement. Most easily purchased acne medication options for the skin include ingredients such as sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and resorcinol.

Breaking up the pimples and infection is the job of both resorcinol and sulfur whereas the benzoyl peroxide kills the acne-causing bacteria and cleans up the oil. Acne medication with salicylic acid stops or slows the skin cell shedding in the oil glands which contribute to clogged pores.

Prescription Options

 There are plenty of acne medication options that must be prescribed by a doctor such as oral and topical antibiotics. Oral forms are for moderate to severe cases of acne which require additional help to decrease the proliferation of the bacteria that causes the breakouts as well as the redness and swelling.

When the acne is quite severe and does not respond to topical or antibiotic therapies, there is other acne medication available. A man-made component of vitamin A called isotretinoin or Accutane (prescription name) is an effective oral drug which requires months of treatment before most of the acne is cleared up. Even then, this acne medication may be required again should there be another recurrence which is quite possible.

While having some side effects that may or may not go away with treatment, Accutane is effective as an acne medication. It will decrease oil production and kill bacteria, reduce skin pore blockage as well as calm inflammation.

Importance of Treatment

It is important that you seek an effective acne medication for your breakouts because otherwise, you may end up with permanently disfigured skin. A rolling appearance, deep pock marks and scarring on the skin are commonplace when medication is not taken orally or topically. Lower self esteem and self-consciousness are just two of many side effects of not getting proper acne medication and treatment for the breakouts.