Medications to treat Acne

Prescription Topical Medications for Acne

The following is a popular list of topical medications often prescribed by doctors for the treatment of acne:

• Antibiotics. Slows/stops the spread of bacteria and diminishes inflammation
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Tretinoin. Stops the development of new blackheads. A drug (known as a retinoid) that contains vitamin A
• Adapalene. Reduces the formation of blackhead
• Tazarotene. Reduces the formation of blackhead
• Azelaic acid. Slows/stops the spread of bacteria and diminishes inflammation

The above listed medications are found in the form gels, creams, lotions or solutions. Lotions and creams typically are prescribed for people with sensitive skin because they moisturize. Gels and solutions often contribute to drier skin because they contain alcohol. People living in humid and hot places or have oily skin may prefer them. You should always consult before using any of these forms of medication.

Side effects of acne medication

As with most medications there are sometimes side effects that come with use. The side effects may include:

• Skin looking worse before improving
• Stinging
• Burning
• Redness
• Peeling
• Scaling
• Changes in skin color

Often times with certain medications (i.e retinoids) the side effects will diminish or completely go away after a period of usage. It sometimes will take up to two months before people see any improvements in their skin.

Prescription Oral Medicines

Oral antibiotics (ingested via the mouth) are often prescribed for patients suffering from more severe forms of acne. Prescription oral antibiotics include:

• Clindamycin
• Erythromycin
• Sulfur
• Tetracycline
• Minocycline
• Doxycycline

Side Effects of taking antibiotics can include:

• Dizziness
• Upset Stomach
• Lightheadedness
• Changes in skin color
• Increased Risk of Sunburn

Doctors do not prescribe Tetracycline to pregnant women and children under the age of eight because it has the chance of discoloring developing teeth. Studies have also shown that Tetracycline and Minocycline can possibly lower the effectiveness of birth control pills.