Ask Your Doctor Before Treating Acne

Most people fear acne because of the unattractive aspect it brings along. They think less about the physiological processes and reactions underlying the condition and more about its visible effects. This view of acne is reflected in the way most people, especially teenagers, choose a remedy. Nowadays, there are many different acne medications available in the form of drops, tablets, lotions or creams offering some degree of relief.

Many of these drugs are available without a doctor's prescription, which might not always be the best idea. This over-the-counter availability can sometimes be blamed for complications due to unexpected side effects or to allergies that the patient wasn't aware of. It can easily happen when teenagers buy medicines based solely on their friends' advice or on what they have read from unreliable sources. These problems can be avoided when the choice of medication is done according to a dermatologist's recommendations.

Your doctor might recommend something like isotretonoin, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, retinoids or oral contraceptive pills. Let's have a look at what these remedies actually are, so that you can better understand how they work. The more you know about them, the more meaningful the conversation with your doctor can be.

The most widely used tablets are those called accutane. This acne medication contains isotretonoin and it helps control acne by reducing the volume of the sebaceous glands, which results in decreased sebum levels. The treatment is normally maintained for six months and it can help you clear all signs of acne. Moreover, it has prophylactic effects, making it less likely for acne to reappear.

In spite of these positive effects that can get anyones hopes up, there are side effects that may dissuade you and your doctor from opting for accutane. The most dangerous possible side effects include depressive states going as far as suicidal thoughts. The drug also increases the risk of developing corneal ulcer; likelihood to develop night blindness is also among the dangerous side effects of the medicine. Pregnant women should avoid taking accutane, as it pose risks to the child's health. Milder side effects are nausea, headaches and mild skin dehydration.

Many people are turning to other medications for curing acne. Benzoyl peroxide is among the drugs gaining in popularity, along with other bactericides. The downside is that they only provide temporary relief and do not prevent relapses.

Retinoids are another solution available for the treatment of acne. They control the spreading of infections by killing the cells that are already damaged. They are not recommended during pregnancy.

Among the oral contraceptive pills used as a remedy for acne, Ortho Tri-Cyclen is the one most commonly prescribed. It is not without side effects, though. Patients have been known to gain weight. More serious problems linked with the administration of this pill include excessive bleeding and breast tenderness as well as mood instability.

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