Prescriptions
Generally speaking, mild and moderate acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but in severe cases, the only way is to seek treatment from a dermatologist.
In many cases, the doctor will recommend a prescription drug to treat this condition.
It should also be noted that even when moderate acne is involved, these types of drugs are more effective than drugs that are usually available without a prescription.
There are two types of prescription acne medications: oral and topical.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics commonly used to treat acne can be taken orally or in the form of a lotion.
Topical prescription drugs may include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids. The most widely used antibiotic to treat acne is tetracycline. It is used to kill the bacteria that cause acne and reduce inflammation.
Treatment may take weeks or even months to take effect, and it is important to continue antibiotics even after the acne disappears.
A common side effect associated with tetracycline is increased sensitivity to sunlight.
If the patient stays in the sun for too long, it can cause severe sunburn. Other side effects may include dizziness, hives, and stomach upset.
Women taking tetracycline may increase the incidence of vaginal yeast infections.
Ointments and Topical Solutions
Antibiotic ointment actually has fewer complications than oral antibiotics.
Like oral antibiotics, topical treatments are very effective in killing the bacteria that cause acne.
If you use these ointments with other topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria may not become resistant to antibiotics.
This will increase the level of prevention you will experience.
Retinoids
Retinoids are acne medicines derived from vitamin A.
They can be applied directly to the skin, usually in the form of lotions or creams.
Topical retinoic acid drugs help open clogged pores, thereby helping to treat blackheads and whiteheads.
Oral retinoids are used to treat the most severe forms of acne because they are more likely to treat acne and lesions that do not respond to other treatments.
Oral administration of retinoic acid causes the skin surface to fall off and open the pores.
They also cause the body to produce less sebum, which can cause oily skin.
Like many other types of prescription drugs, oral retinoic acid has several serious side effects.
They can also cause liver damage and depression, so regular medical treatment is required to ensure that retinoid treatment does not adversely affect patients.
It is not uncommon for mothers to take such drugs during pregnancy to cause birth defects, so women should consult a doctor if they become pregnant or suspect that they are pregnant.
Other Medications
Birth control pills are sometimes effective in treating female acne.
They change the hormone levels in the body and can reduce acne caused by the action of testosterone.