Adult Acne Medication – Topical and Oral Options
Acne is a rather common skin condition that can prove to be rather embarrassing for those that suffer from it. It generally begins at puberty and fades as you get older. For many though, acne continues into adulthood and getting rid of it can be challenging. Unfortunately, there is no real cure for adult acne, just various treatments that can manage it.
Topical Medications
When looking at adult acne medication, topical treatments may be first prescribed by your dermatologist. These are treatments that are directly applied to the affected area and are generally used by those who suffer from moderate to mild forms of acne. Topical treatments can prove to be very effective although some initial irritation of the skin may occur. Consistency in application is important for best results.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics, taken by mouth, are another type of adult acne medication that are normally used in conjunction with topical treatments. Some of these tablets cannot be taken with food and some may need to be ingested after eating so it is important to read the label carefully before use. Usually you can expect to wait at least two or three months to see positive effects on the frequency and extent of your acne.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can be a useful form of adult acne medication for some women. Certain formulations of birth control pills can lower the levels of androgens in the body which in turn reduces the amount of sebum (oil) that the skin produces. By reducing sebum production, acne breakouts are also reduced. As with other treatments, the effects of birth control pills on adult acne may not be seen until after a few months of use.
Accutane
For severe adult acne, Accutane (Isotretinoin) may be prescribed by a dermatologist. Because Accutane causes birth defects, it cannot be taken by pregnant women and precautions must be taken to avoid pregnancy during treatment. This medication is taken for 15 to 20 weeks and can have a variety of side effects. As such, Accutane is usually only prescribed after other medications have failed (Update, please see Accutane Lawsuit).
There are many types of adult acne medications that can be prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the severity of the acne. Understanding the causes of adult acne, especially for women, may help to determine the best treatment method. While all of the medications discussed are effective against acne, individual success is difficult to predict and requires a certain amount of patience to discover the right combination.
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Tagged with: acne medications • adult acne medication • birth control pills • oral • topical • treatments
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