The Different Types of Acne Medication

The Different Types of Acne Medication
By Kathlene Capelle

To treat acne, there exists many types of acne medication and solutions. Many of the acne medication treatments may include topical or systematic acne solutions. Additionally, homeopathic treatments may also be applied to prevent the out-break of acne, an example of which is the use of mild soaps and water. Which acne medication to use first depends on what is the cause of acne.

There can be many causes of acne. Some of the causes include:

Over-secretion of the sebaceous glands of its sebum (natural oil of the skin).

Hormone imbalances due to internal changes in your body.

The weakening of the immune system due to the attacks of the acne-infecting bacteria called as Propionibacterium acnes.

Impaired internal detoxification system.

The reaction of the digestive system to the food items you eat.

Stress.

Genetic influences.

Environmental pollutants or toxins.

Cosmetics that contain chemicals, preservatives or harmful substances.

The severity of your acne problem determines the type of acne medication to be used. In fact, for the less serious acne cases or conditions, it is best to start with natural acne solutions. This normally comprises of natural herbs and exotic plants that are effective in removing blemishes and the prevention of bacterial formation. One example of less serious acne symptoms are those that appear on the onset of an acne outbreak.

Fruits and vegetables are perfect in lessening the effects of the above mentioned factors. They contain eeded minerals and vitamins for healthy skin. These may also have the properties of effectively cleansing and removing the oil from the skin tissues, like that of cucumbers and tomatoes. Most vegetables and fruits have a high water content. Water itself is potent in releasing body toxins from the body. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of distilled water can help prevent the onset of acne.

However, if you have a serious acne breakout, the use of acne medication treatment may be suitable. Acne medication products include topical and systematic acne solutions.

Topical acne solutions are those which you apply on the skin surface. One ingredient found in a topical acne medication product is benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is effective in reducing the quantity of bacteria on the skin. However, prolonged use can result in dryness of the skin, contract dermatitis and cause skin irritations.

Another ingredient in a topical acne medication product is Azeilic acid. Azeilic acid is known for its diminishing effect like that of benzoyl peroxide, on the bacterial presence on the skin. This acne solution is also effective in evening out the darker complexions produced by the recent flare-ups of acne. The side effects of this acne solution are impermanent discoloration on the affected area and extreme dryness.

In addition, Erythromycin in its topical form may reduce the acne inflammation. This acne solution is often combined with benzoyl peroxide to rigorously attack belligerent infection caused by the Propionibacterium acnes.

An acne solution that does not only obstruct the growth of the acne-infecting bacteria but may also address inflammation and clogged pores is Sodium Sulfacetamide treatment. However, it is not commonly used as a treatment to acne because of its smell. Yet, it has been proven to help acne flare-ups in many cases.

Systematic acne medications are usually prescribed to more severe cases of acne infections. Generally speaking, the treatment may last up to six months. For women, the most prescribed systematic acne solution is anti-androgens. This form of treatment controls the secretion of a certain hormone and is commonly referred to as hormonal treatment.

Treating your skin with the right acne medication type is important. For instance, if your acne problem is at best mild, you don't want to be applying too strong a product on your skin. Too harsh a product can cause your skin to age faster and result in wrinkles or dry scaly skin. It is therefore, best to research properly on acne medications that will be the most appropriate for your acne problem.

Kathelene Capelle is a writer for beauty tips and advice. Her blog includes useful information on acne remedy, natural skin care, natural remedies for skin care and anti-aging. She also provides step-by-step recipes for skin care that you can easily prepare from ingredients right out from the kitchen. Get updated on tips and resources at http://www.acne-and-skin-care.com

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Dermatologist Acne Treatments for a Guaranteed Flawless Complexion

Dermatologist Acne Treatments for a Guaranteed Flawless Complexion
By David Maillie

Lead a blemish-free life and that includes your face too. Banish the bane termed as acne forever. However, acne treatment is not a quick fix solution. Go in for an acne treatment that guarantees not only relief for the time being but also deters a relapse.

Acne is caused by accumulation of dead skin cells, overactive oil glands or an attack by the P. acnes bacteria. Acne treatment involves striking at any one-root cause or taking a multi-pronged approach. However, the best acne treatment is to be decided only by the dermatologist and it may be that the nature and severity of the acne problem, the patients age, lifestyle and medication routine may merit an individualized treatment.

Generally, acne treatment is categorized into three broad spectrums. The most common, however, an instant but temporary cure is by killing the bacteria that are caused by the blocked follicles. This is done either by the intake of antibiotics like tetracycline, or by treating the affected areas externally with bactericidal substances like benzoyl peroxide. As one can guess, it does nothing to control the oil secretion that is the root of all blocked follicles and henceforth, acnes, return successfully after the treatment is successfully over.

The second method is by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands. This is done by a daily intake of Vitamin A derivates like isotretinoin over a period of a few months. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and often cures acne for good. The treatment requires close medical examination by a dermatologist since the drug has many known side effects.

The third, popular, acne treatment involves exfoliating the skin. This process encourages the peeling of the top layer of skin to prevent a build-up of dead skin cells which combine with skin oil to block pores. It also helps to unblock clogged pores.

Severely sore cysts require the injection of interlesional corticosteroid, which acts by melting the cyst within 3-5 days and prevents scars. Isotretinoin is an effective acne scar treatment. It works by reducing the activity of the oil glands and is widely regarded as the most effective drug to fight cystic acne. However, this pill has serious side-effects on liver and the nervous system and as such should not be used during pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives like norgestimate, ethynodiol and norethindrone acetate work against acne by decreasing the activity of the oil glands.

For people sensitive to some acne drugs, sodium sulfacetamide is an effective alternative treatment.

Laser therapy, which scrapes away the top layer of the skin, thereby removing the dead cells, is an effective acne treatment with enduring effects. This peeling of the skin is also achieved by the increasingly popular TCA peels. Easy to use, these peels reach deep into the skin coming up with results that last up to a year. Not only do they remove the acne, but also prevent its recurrence. They are now available for home use (see the link below). TCA peels are the most cost effective acne treatment and should be a part of any acne or skin care regimen.

The acne treatment may sound easy but you should never indulge in self-medication. Some acne drugs are quite powerful and any misuse may trigger irreversible side effects. Nor should acne be treated by pricking the pimples. This causes scarring that even an extensive acne scar treatment cannot reverse. Catch them young is the motto of every dermatologist treating acne. So do not neglect even the tiniest blackhead.

Acne treatment is safe as long as you are in the right hands.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

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4 Surefire Ways to Save Money and Time With Your Acne Treatment

4 Surefire Ways to Save Money and Time With Your Acne Treatment
By Naweko San-Joyz

You probably wont believe this, but if youre serious about getting rid of acne, you need a strategy. Yet most acne sufferers fail to answer four key questions that could save them a ton of time and money when it comes to getting clearer skin.

Save yourself a load of acne agony by answering these four questions before you start any acne treatment:

1. How much will the acne treatment cost and how often do I have to use the treatment?

2. When can I expect to see visible results and will I be patient enough to wait that long?

3. Will my skin stay clear even after I stop the treatment?

4. What are the acne treatment side effects?

1. How much will the acne treatment cost and how often do I have to use the treatment?

Whether youre filling an acne prescription, buying herbal supplements, or using a skin care regimen, cost is a major consideration before using any acne treatment. Prescriptions for acne like clindamycin phosphate or Accutane (isotretinoin) can range from $10 $300 per month, and if you insurance company doesnt cover this fee, youll have to pay it all yourself.

Herbal supplements may not prove any more economical choice since some vitamins that boast anti-acne properties can cost as much as $40 per month. Then again acne facial treatments, which usually arrive in tiny bottles, can cost in excess of $60 a month.

At first, most acne sufferers wait anxiously for clear skin and abandon treatments before the acne disappears. This wastes time and money. Yet dermatologist Hilary E. Baldwin sees this behavior often enough to get vexed with patients who reappear every 6-9 months back to square one because they did not consistently use their acne prescriptions.

Even if you can afford your acne treatment, you must ask yourself if youre willing to follow the guidelines and use the product daily, or several times a day as recommended.

2. When can you expect to see visible results and will you be patient enough to wait that long?

If you have acne now, patience with your skin probably isnt only your list of virtues.But with most acne treatments, the skin will not improve for the first 4 weeks of therapy, and dramatic improvements appear after 8-12 weeks.

Typically, topical treatments for acne, like benzoyl peroxide, tazarotene and retinol, can provide faster visible results that most internal acne treatments like azithromycin, or other antibiotics.

3. Will my skin stay clear even after I stop the treatment?

Topical acne treatments do not permanently limit the excess oil secretion by the pores or increase the cell turnover rate of the skin- two actions that help prevent the development of acne. So, unless you use drugs or alter your internal chemistry via natural methods, you would need to use topical agents for an indefinite amount of time to control your acne.

4. What are the acne treatment side effects?

The manufacturer of prescription drugs and acne herbal supplement or vitamin provides a detailed list of possible side effects. Users of acne drugs like isotretinoin and antibiotics have sited depression and nausea as side effects. Potential side effects from herbal supplements also include indigestion and stomach irritation. If youre a women using oral contraceptives to combat acne, you may experience bloating and nausea.

In short, whether your get your acne treatment from Tibetan healer or your dermatologist, be upfront about your financial situation, your patience level and willingness to change your daily habits. Otherwise, you could spend years from acne treatment to acne treatment and never see any visible results.

Are you still wondering how to get rid of acne? Get your Acne Messages natural acne cure at http://www.Noixia.com ISBN: 0974912204. Get Your Natural Acne Cure Today

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Acne Laser Treatment

Acne Laser Treatment
By Tanya Curry

Despite so much of efforts acne scars turned out to be extremely difficult to treat. In the past dermatologists have used several methods such as excision, punch grafts, and chemical peels as treatments. But we all know that the results of these therapies have not turned out to be fruitful and theses therapies have always given room to additional scarring to occur. Over the past several years, dermatologists have been working with acne laser treatment which the results now show is turning to be extremely beneficial and giving excellent results.

A variety of ways have been used to do acne laser treatment but the two major methods that have been proposed are:

Direct absorption of visible light energy by porphyrins. In this acne laser treatment light energy is absorbed by bacterium triggering production of toxic singlet oxygen which damages or destroys the bacteria. Almost any visible light source can be used, including narrow-band light sources such as the ClearLight and Blu-U, assorted IPL devices (broadband light) copper vapor lasers, pulse dye lasers and various orange/red light lasers or light sources. One very important factor is that these lights have absorption peak of porphyrins so the laser waves have the advantage of penetrating deeper in to the skin, but do not activate porphyrin as well.

Many researches have proven that to get good results of acne laser treatment combining the use of the pulsed dye technology with carbon dioxide laser vaporization can turn out to be an efficient way in treating scars. Atrophic acne scars where there is a breakdown of the skin have been found to respond most favorably to carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. The number of treatments necessary depends on the type of lesion and each individual's collagen and wound healing response. Usually two or more treatments are needed for cystic acne scars. But one think that one needs to be clear about in this acne laser treatment is that the pulsed dye laser procedure is typically performed without general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is usually administered with a topical anesthetic cream, intralesional injections or nerve blocks. The immediate result may produce a purplish coloring. The treated scars are then evaluated 6-8 weeks later, where another treatment, at the same or slightly higher strength may be necessary.

The main reason for the increasing demand of acne laser treatment is its safety factor because acne laser treatment eliminates the risks of prolonged antibiotic use and retinoid therapy can be avoided, as well as the expense and inconvenience of prolonged topical treatments, acne medications, creams, gels, etc. Whether or not acne laser treatments should be used as first-line treatment for acne, or even for prevention of acne, remains unclear at this time.

Find out more about Acne Laser Treatment as well as other Health issues by visiting getacnetips.com and gethealthtips.com

2006 GetHealthTips.com

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Acne Skin Care Methods

Acne Skin Care Methods
By Mark Woodcock

Acne can be a painful and embarrassing condition for a person to be afflicted with. Often, a person who has acne cannot control its occurrence. But, by following a few acne skin care practices, acne can be controlled and even gotten rid of.

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that affects millions of individuals. The most universal type of acne is known as common acne. Acne is caused when too many oils are secreted from the glands and those oils mix with dead skin cells, blocking the hair follicles. More oil secretions increase underneath the already blocked follicles (or pores), and skin bacteria begin to grow rapidly. This leads to red and irritated skin that most often appears as bumps on the skin's surface. Any skin surface of the body is susceptible to acne, but it most commonly (and heavily) appears on the face, chest, back, and upper arm region.

Acne commonly begins to occur during puberty due to an irregular response by the body to regular levels of testosterone, a male hormone. Often, acne begins to subside or disappear altogether by the mid 20's. However, some individuals do suffer with it throughout adulthood. And some adults do not even see the onset of acne until well into the adult years. This is known as adult onset acne.

Acne can leave scarring on the skin, as well as have a scarring effect on a person's self-esteem, and even lead to depression. Because society can be so unforgiving about appearances, there are various medically prescribed treatments available, as well as acne skin care regimens that can be utilized in order to minimize the symptoms of acne.

Different things cause acne for different sufferers. A few of the recognized causes of acne include heredity, hormonal activity (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy), stress, certain medications, and skin irritation. All of these things have the potential to cause acne, as well as exacerbate it. There are a few myths regarding acne. For instance we've all heard of a mom telling her child not to eat too many greasy foods like French fries, or eat too many sweets, because it will give him or her pimples. That is simply an old wives' tale. Diet does not cause acne, and does not affect it. Also, poor hygiene has no bearing on the occurrence of acne. Acne is not caused by dirt, and having poor hygiene habits will not aggravate the condition.

There are many treatments for acne available, both through prescription, and over the counter. There are antibiotics in the form of pills, as well as topical creams that are designed to treat the condition. Exfoliation can be used as a treatment to remove and prevent the build up of dead skin cells. And light therapy is being used more and more to treat acne. It is important to consult a dermatologist in order to determine the best course of treatment and learn the best regimen of acne skin care to carry out.

Dealing with the occurrence of acne requires knowing how to properly care for the skin. Acne skin care can help keep the problem from getting worse, and even alleviate it. It is important to gently wash the skin at least twice a day with a gentle skin cleanser. Do not scrub with a rough pad or use a rough soap. This will make the acne problem worse. And always completely rinse the skin after cleansing.

As part of an acne skin care routine, it is important to remember not to touch the afflicted skin areas. Do not try to squeeze acne. An infection could occur, compounding the problem, and scarring could result. Also, avoid the sun when possible. Wear protective clothing to avoid tanning or burning. The skin will age faster, and any fading effect of the acne is temporary and will become visible again when the burn or tan fades.

When using cosmetics, take care to use oil-free products, and products that are non-comedogenic (won't clog the pores). And for men who shave their faces, it is important to shave very carefully. Shave with a light hand to avoid cutting or nicking the blemishes. If these steps in acne skin care are taken, the pain and embarrassment of the problem can be alleviated, and over time, eliminated completely.

About The Author
Mark Woodcock is a director of 3 Internet Companies, is a published author and has written many articles on a widespread number of topics. All his articles may be reproduced provided that an active link is included to http://www.acne-skin-care-treatment.info.

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Understanding Cystic Acne

Understanding Cystic Acne
By Paton Jackson

Understanding what cystic acne is can help you to better treat this condition on your own body. For many individuals, it is traumatizing in the way that their outward appearance is flawed by these small but powerful infections. The skin becomes inflamed here and it may even hurt. The irritants are likely to be bacteria as well as a combination of other factors. The bottom line is, though, that people want and need results when it comes to treating cystic acne.

What Causes It?

Cystic acne is caused by when the oil ducts in the skin become clogged. This will lead to the ducts (or pores) becoming infected. The oil ducts are over producing oils that are generally need to help keep the skin moist as well as to help the hair follicle to ease out of the skin. Yet, for many teenagers, hormones are all out of control and this can cause these oil glands to simply produce too much oil. Eventually, bacteria find there way into this area and irritate it enough to cause the infection on the skin. This is what cystic acne is.

Treatments For It

While the causes of cystic acne are important, the treatments for it are just as important to those that are suffering from it. Many individuals, mostly teenagers will deal with this type of acne for at least several years of their life if they do have the right conditions for it. But, the good news is that there are acne treatments that really can work and work well for them. The best acne treatments are those that provide for all aspects of the condition.

1. They should treat the bacteria that are infecting the skin.

2. They should stop or slow down the production of oils through either destroying oil glands or through controlling hormone levels.

3. They should protect the face from new infections forming through methods such as cleansing and exfoliation.

Acne products are available that can do any and all of these things. If you are like most, youll want to get started on it right away. Start with natural acne products and then work on the acne treatments that are not working. You will soon see that cystic acne can respond to medication and treatment.

We have made a research to find the best acne products. Find the results on Cystic acne products and info. Find more valuable information on http://www.leandernet.com/Acne/Acnetreatments.php Web Content Experts

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Acne Scar Co2 Laser Treatment

Acne Scar Co2 Laser Treatment
By Yvette Chau

The acne scar co2 laser treatment is performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. It is considered state of the art technology for laser surgery and is revered by laser surgeons. Is ease of use and precision is unmatched. This laser treatment is best suited to atrophic scars or depressed scars that dont have deep pits. More surface or facial scars respond well to the treatment.

Scars that have already been treated will be more difficult to treat with the CO2 laser. If you are on Accutane (isotretinoin, roaccutane) or have taken Accutane, you should stop it for at least 6 months before using the co2 laser treatment. Do not go on this treatment if you have a skin infection or inflammatory disease.

What is acne scar co2 laser treatment?

A laser beam passes through a carbon dioxide (CO2)gas-filled chamber and performs collagen remodeling. The laser removes one layer of skin at a time, which can eliminate more surface scars. The heat from the laser also makes the skin tight and smoothes out scars.

The surgeon may give you some intravenous anesthesia before the procedure.

How long does it take to see results?

You likely will see results at about 18 months. The best results occur when this type of laser resurfacing is used in combination with other treatments, like topical creams that help to speed the healing process. Laser treatment is great for getting rid of more shallow boxcar scars, reducing wrinkles, and smoothing out and tightening existing scars.

Does acne scar co2 laser treatment have disadvantages?

This method for acne scar treatment does have its downsides. For one, healing is painful and takes a long time. Some people experience redness for many months, while others experience changes in skin color. In darker skin, the acne scar co2 laser treatment can cause noticeable skin color changes.

Helpful healing tips after acne scar co2 laser treatment

Carbon dioxide or Er:YAG laser resurfacing of atrophic scars
-Work with your dermatologist to find a topical cream to help your healing process along.
-Use ice or a cooling mask if necessary.
-Always keep your skin clean.
-Make sure you see your surgeon or practitioner for follow-up.
-Treat any side effects or complications right away.
Alternative laser treatment Erbium:YAG laser

The Erbium laser is not as harsh as the co2 laser. It produces less heat and therefore results in less redness and faster healing. However, it does not perform collagen remodeling as well as the co2 laser.

Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Ungoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your-best-acne.treatment.com/

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Acne Treatments Prescription Medication

Acne Treatments - Prescription Medication
By Susan Richards

A number of people will try to treat their acne condition on their own without consulting with a doctor. If you suffer from any kind of unusual skin condition then it is always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist. Even if your skin condition turns out to be acne, a doctor will be able to offer you valuable information and advice on how to treat it.

In cases of severe acne, it is always best to seek out treatment by a dermatologist who can prescribe the proper medication. Prescription medication is also recommended even for moderate forms of acne. They may be more effective then trying to treat it yourself. For mild forms of acne, they can often be treated using over-the-counter medications.

Types Of Prescription Acne Medications

There are two main types of prescription acne medications available: Topical and Oral. Topical prescription medications may include ingredients such as retinoids and zinc. Antibiotics can be taken as a lotion or orally, and are often used to fight acne.

Antibiotics

Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic used for treating acne. It reduces inflammation and is used to kill the bacteria responsible for the acne. It may take several weeks to a few months for antibiotic treatments to take effect. This type of treatment must continue even after the acne has cleared up. Common side effects that have been associated with Tetracycline include an increase in sensitivity to sun light. This may potentially cause a bad sunburn should the patient dwell in the sun for too long of a time. Various other side effects include hives, dizziness and upset stomachs.

Children under the age of 12 and pregnant woman should not take tetracycline because it may discolor growing teeth. It is also important to note that women who take tetracycline may suffer from increased incidences of vaginal yeast.

Ointments

Oral antibiotics may result in more complications than antibiotic ointments. Antibiotic ointments are effective in killing bacteria that causes acne. When they are used in conjunction with other topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.

Retinoids

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A. They can be found in the form of creams and lotions and can be applied directly onto the skin. Topical types of retinoid medications can help to open up clogged pores. These medications can be beneficial in treating whiteheads and blackheads. A common side effect of topical retinoids is dry skin.

Oral retinoids can be beneficial in severe forms of acne that dont usually respond to other types of treatments. This type of treatment causes the body to produce less sebum which will result in a reduced amount of oily skin. Oral retinoids will also open up the pores by causing the upper layer of skin to peel.

Anyone using oral retinoids should be fully aware of the possible serious side effects that may occur:

• Pregnant mothers-to-be should be aware of the possible dangers of birth defects.
• Women who are under retinoid treatment should use two forms of birth control.
• May also cause depression or liver damage.

It is very important to seek out regular medical attention to avoid any complications that may arise during retinoid treatments.

Other Medications

Birth control pills can also be an effective treatment for acne in some women. They help change the hormone levels within the body and reduce the acne causing effects of testosterone. Zinc can be an effective treatment in some cases and is a relatively new form of treatment.

Finally, it is very important to discuss with your dermatologist about the best treatment for your particular acne.

About the Author

Susan Richards has written extensively on various health-related issues such as acne and skin care treatments. You can find information on a number of topics that include: acne treatment, acne skin care and the best acne products.

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