Acne is a common skin disease that manifests in rashes called pimples. Pimples form when the hair follicles under the skin become blocked; they appear mainly on
- face
- neck
- back
- Chest
- and shoulders.
Anyone can present acne lesions, although they are more frequent among adolescents and young adults (they affect approximately 80% of subjects aged between 11 and 30, especially in women aged between 14 and 17 and men between 16 and 19).
Although it is not a threatening illness, its most severe forms can leave behind profound, unattractive scars.
In this article, we’ll discuss how severe acne can be treated. Read on!
TREATMENT AND REMEDIES FOR SEVERE ACNE
Acne is often treated by a dermatologist, that is, a doctor who specializes in skin problems. The dermatologist treats all types of acne, especially severe cases. Your pediatrician, internist, or family doctor can treat people with less severe cases of acne.
Unfortunately, acne cannot be cured permanently, so the treatment aims are essentially four:
- healing of existing lesions,
- the blocking of new lesions,
- the prevention of scars
- and the containment of stress and mental distress caused by the disease.
Drug treatment is aimed at reducing the many problems that contribute to acne:
- abnormal cell accumulation in the follicles,
- greater sebum production,
- bacteria,
- inflammation.
Depending on the severity of the problem, your doctor may recommend one of many over-the-counter and prescription medications. Drugs can be:
- topical (to put on the skin)
- or require oral intake (by mouth).
Treatment may require taking multiple topical or oral medications combined with topical medications.
Moderate to severe acne
People with moderate to severe acne can be treated with topical or oral prescription medications, alone or in combination.
Prescription topical medications
Acne is treated with several types of topical prescription medications. These are:
- Antibiotics: They help stop or slow down bacterial proliferation and reduce inflammation, but in recent years, this approach has gradually lost importance, especially in milder forms.
- Vitamin A derivatives ( retinoids ): They open up clogged comedones so that other topical drugs, such as antibiotics, can enter the follicles. Some may also help reduce the formation of blackheads. Such drugs contain a modified form of vitamin A. Some light formulations of retinoids can be purchased without a prescription.
Like over-the-counter topical medications, prescription medications are available as creams, lotions, solutions, gels, or pads. When prescribing a product, the specialist will take into account the type of skin:
- Creams and lotions are hydrating and are generally good choices for those with sensitive skin.
- Alcohol-based gels or solutions, which tend to dry the skin, are preferable for oily skin.
The doctor will illustrate the methods and frequency of application of the drug.
In some cases, topical prescription medicines cause fewer side effects (irritation, burning, redness, flaking, peeling, or changes in skin color), which generally reduce or disappear if you continue to take them. Inform your doctor in case of severe or persistent effects.
Prescription oral medications
Oral antibiotics were often prescribed for moderate or severe acne, although more recent guidelines have narrowed their scope. They are believed to control acne by blocking bacterial growth and reducing inflammation. You can combine oral and topical medications. Common antibiotics used to treat acne include:
- tetracycline
- minocycline
- doxycycline
Less frequently, clindamycin, erythromycin, or sulfonamide are used.
These antibiotics can cause adverse effects, such as gastric discomfort, dizziness or dizziness, changes in skin color, and increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
Because tetracyclines can interfere with the formation of teeth and bones in fetuses and young children, these drugs are not given to pregnant women or before age 14.
There are concerns, although unproven, that tetracycline and minocycline may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so an alternative method of contraception may be helpful. Getting results may require prolonged treatment with oral antibiotics.
