The Different Types of Acne Medication
When Is Acne Medication Necessary?
Sometimes acne sufferers hope that acne medication will be a quick fix. Unfortunately, acne medication is the answer for all acne conditions. There are some guidelines to follow for determining when acne medication is needed to treat acne. Acne medication can be a valuable component for treating acne, but it is not always necessary.
It’s Not The First Line of Defense
Acne medication is usually not the first line of defense when treating acne. It is usually best to begin treatment with cleansing products specifically formulated to treat acne and topical medications. If those treatments fail to work, then it is usually best to consider acne medication. Acne medication is typically reserved more problematic cases of acne, and severe acne can be treated with oral acne medication from the start.
Different Medications
There are several main types of acne medications that are popular among dermatologists and acne sufferers alike. Oral medications and topical medications are the two main categories of acne medications.
Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat acne. Tetracycline is a popular antibiotic that is used as an acne medication. Minocycline is an oral antibiotic that can be used to treat acne. This acne medication is saved for moderate to severe cases of acne. It is not a widely used acne medication because there is some concern over the severe side effects it can cause.
Accutane is a powerful acne medication that has serious side effects but is still sometimes used for severe acne because it is so effective. Accutane can cause birth defects and suicidal thoughts which is why this drug is only given to treat extreme cases of acne.
Trial and Error
Sometimes it can take some trial and error to find an acne medication that will work for you. If you are given an acne medication to try, discuss your experience with it with your dermatologist. He or she can prescribe a different acne medication if necessary. Usually, though, you will need to be on an acne medication for six weeks or more before you can determine if the medication is not a good fit.
Acne medication is not worry free. Acne medication does have side effects. Antibiotics such as tetracycline can lower the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, so females taking antibiotics need to use backup contraception when taking antibiotics. Tetracycline, overall, is tolerated by most people.
If you think you might be a good candidate for acne medication, check with your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe acne medication that can be extremely beneficial in treating your acne.