Prescription Acne Treatments

If you are experiencing acne breakouts, either serious or not, your doctor may give you some prescription acne treatments which may help heal your skin condition. Several of these medications may be topical or those that are applied on the surface of the skin, others are systematic or the drugs that are taken orally.

Retin-A

Retin-A is a topical medication derived from Vitamin A’s retinoid metabolite. It increases cell turnover and release plugged materials from the hair follicles. This is also noted to decrease the formation of new acne and improved the appearance of wrinkles. However, this medication may enhance the skin’s sensitivity to irritation and sunlight.

A siginificant side effect of this drug is extreme drying of the skin which may develop into red, swollen and blistered condition. 

Also, it is recommended that already sunburned skins must not be applied with this medication.

Oral Antibiotics

In conjunction with many topical prescription acne treatments, oral medications may be prescribed by a dermatologist. However, target bacteria may develop immunity to certain antibiotics. In cases like this, other medications may be prescribed. As with oral antibiotics, topical antimicrobials may target the same bacteria or may be applied directly on the actual site of the acne infection.

Spironolactone Acne Treatment

Spironolactone is a diuretic known for its potassium-sparing properties. It was first designed to reduce body fluids without depleting the potassium level of the body.  Spironolactone can reduce the production of androgens, the specific hormones that activate the production of sebum. If this sebum is trapped in hair follicles, it may cause the onset of acne. As a result, the control of androgen release would reduce the possibility of acne infection and inflammation. 

However, in taking Spironolactone, there are several considerations which must be taken into account both by the physician and the patient. This is becausethere are certain medications and health conditions may be affected by the use of this diuretic. It is equally important to note the side effects of this prescription acne treatment. Some side effects may include skin allergies, diarrhea, muscle cramps and nausea.

This drug, if taken under the watchful eye of a doctor may prove an effective way of reducing acne.

Doxycycline Prescription Acne Treatment

Doxycycline is a common medication used with moderate inflammatory acne infections. This antibiotic is known to lessen the impact of the bacteria that clog hair follicles which in effect, cause acne outbreaks.  This drug is also used to treat a host of other diseases such as gum disease, urinary tract infections and a number of sexually-transmitted diseases.

Typically, this medication can cause sensitivity to the sun. If exposure to the sun cannot be avoided, then it's best to apply sunscreens or wear protective clothing. At any rate, those suffering from acne shouldn't expose their skin to too much sun as it can aggravate it.

Minocycline Prescription Acne Treatment

Minocycline is a derivative of tetracycline, commonly used for acne treatment. Children must not take this medication as it will affect the development of teeth and bones. As with doxycycline, minocycline can effectively decrease the life cycle of the bacteria that thrive in skin pores. Along with acne, it is also used to effectively treat other bacterial skin infections. 

Of course, prescription acne treatments all have side effects. The antibiotics can, amongst other things, cause thrush (candida) in women. And  RetinA is a poor choice for sensitive skin. Because it can also cause birth defects, women must take an oral contraceptive whilst they are on it.

Consequently, there is a strong interest in different options. Many people have successfully used this prescription acne treatment alternative, even when they did try Retin A and others. You can read their stories at the link above.

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