Welcome back to part 2 of the Acne Awareness Series, in light of Acne Awareness Month. Adding on to last week's discussion of a brief overview of acne, today's post will provide insight on ways of treating and preventing acne.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to heal existing lesions, prevent new ones from forming, as well as to prevent scarring, which generally occurs as a consequence of acne. There are various forms of medication, with intentions to prevent acne from developing, such as abnormal clumping of cells in the follicles, high sebum levels, bacteria, and inflammation. Of course, you can also be prescribed with prescription medications that can be taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin.
Topical medications (to apply to skin) include:
Antibiotics, which are generally paired with other topical medications like benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria and decreases production of sebum
Resorcinol, which can aid in breaking down blackheads and whiteheads
Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A and are used for treating lesions as well as reducing inflammation. Accompanied by these purposes, the prevention of acne formation and scarring is also notable.
Salicylic acid, which helps with breaking down blackheads and whiteheads and reduces shedding of cells lining the hair follicles
Sulfur, which breaks down blackheads and whiteheads
Topical medications come in a multitude of forms: gels. lotions, creams, soaps, and pads. It is essential to note any side effects you may experience, such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. In such cases, you should contact your doctor about switching to other forms.
If not topical, doctors can also prescribe oral medications.
Oral medications include:
Antibiotics, which help with delaying or stopping the formation of bacteria and reducing inflammation. These are usually prescribed with other topical therapies for those with moderate to severe acne, such as severe nodular acne (as discussed in part 1).
Retinoids, which treat acne and open up the pore. This then allows other medications, such as antibiotics, to enter through the follicles and thus treat the acne. Like topical retinoids, oral retinoids can also prevent the growth of acne and minimize scarring.
Hormone therapy, which stops the effects of androgens on the sebaceous gland
Corticosteroids, which lower inflammation in severe acne. Doctors may recommend injecting this directly into the skin as an alternative.
Steps to Take
Although preventing acne cannot be guaranteed, people can still follow measures accordingly to minimize their chances of developing acne. It is recommended to:
Gently clean the skin regularly. Use a mild cleanser in the morning, evening, and after heavy exercise. Avoid using strong soaps, astringents, or rough scrub pads to prevent skin irritation.
Avoid rubbing or touching skin lesions. Squeezing or picking lesions may give rise to scars or dark blotches forming.
Use sunscreen regularly to avoid sunburn and suntan.
Choose cosmetic products with care. Try to choose products that are oil free and labeled noncomedogenic, which means that they will not clog pores.
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