Acne Topical Treatment
For some sufferers of acne the condition can be so severe that it is painful and can lead to permanent scarring. In these instances, an acne topical treatment is generally the best treatment option.
Homemade and herbal methods can offer some relief, but, often, stronger medication is required to relieve symptoms completely.
The following is a guide to some of the acne topical treatments available. It is advisable to discuss your condition with your doctor before beginning any course of topical treatment.
There are three main acne topical treatments available:
Topical Retinoids
Topical Antibiotics
Topical Combination
Acne Topical Treatment: Retinoids
Retinoids are one of the most popular acne treatments. The aim of a retinoid is to exfoliate the skin, leaving pores clear and healthy. The principle ingredient of retinoids is vitamin A, which enhances the health of the skin and is effective in treating whiteheads and blackheads.
Because there are many types of retinoid, it is wise to discuss your condition with your doctor, as he, or she, will be able to prescribe the most suitable retinoid for you.
Some of the most popular types of retinoid include Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene and Isotretinoin.
Acne Topical Treatment: Antibiotics
Antibiotic treatment is usually used in extremely severe cases of acne. It is effective in ridding the skin of the bacteria that causes acne, unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
Of course, as one of the strongest treatments, there may be side effects, (an antibiotic cannot be selective about the bacteria that it kills, therefore it will be ridding your skin of good bacteria, too) which is why antibiotic topical creams are only used in severe cases.
Again, this treatment option should be discussed in detail with your doctor. The most common antibiotic topical treatments are Clindamycin, Erythromycin and Sulfacetamide.
Acne Topical Treatment: Combination Treatment
Combination treatment is, as its name suggests, a cream that combines antibiotics in one cream. These treatments may be prescribed when standard antibiotic creams have failed.
The combination treatment aims to kill bacteria and rid the face of flaking dead skin. Generally, because the combination creams are stronger than standard antibiotic creams, it will be used in small doses.
As with other topical treatments, there are many types of combination treatment. However, the most common are topical retinoid with erythromycin (available in Canada), topical benzoyl peroxide with erythromycin, topical benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin and topical benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin. Of course, acne sufferers are advised to seek the assistance of a doctor or dermatologist.
Acne Topical Treatment: Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common topical treatments. Like the antibiotic treatments, benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
The aim of the treatment is to rid the pores of excess oil and kill the bacteria that cause acne. There are a number of types of benzoyl peroxide, which range in strength. Milder creams can be purchased over the counter, but stronger forms of the cream will require a prescription.
Before attempting to undergo any treatment for acne, even one that can be bought over the counter, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a doctor.