Acne Medication Hits The Spot

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points ...

All acne medication works toward the same basic goal: to restrict the onset and progression of acne, to promote a healthy lifestyle, and to increase self-esteem, the lack of which affects so many people with acne.

The biological objective of acne medication, however, is to kill bacteria and unclog pores (one cause of acne), prevent and reduce inflammation, restrict hormone production (increased hormone production is another cause of acne), and encourage skin renewal.

The targeted conditions of acne medication range from simple blemishes to inflamed pustules (hard, pus-filled bumps) and cysts (red swellings in the skin). This medication does not work overnight, nor does it completely eliminate acne altogether, especially with people having poor eating and hygiene habits.

Below is a list of common (although not all) acne medications:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide treats mild cases of inflammatory acne. This acne medication does not increase resistance to bacteria, so continuous usage is necessary for effectiveness. The drug also curbs acne by slowing or reducing sebum (skin oil) production. It takes two to three weeks before signs of improvement are noticeable.

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2. Antibiotics. Antibiotics break down bacteria in the body (hence its name), reduce inflammation, and affect sebum production. It takes several weeks for this acne medication to take effect, so continual usage is necessary for it to work.

3. Salicylic Acid. Salicylic Acid treats mild acne and oily skin. This acne medication unclogs pores to prevent lesions from developing and to help in normal skin-cell replacement. The drug's effects stop when discontinued, so continuous usage is necessary.

4. Oral Contraceptives. Oral contraceptives induce estrogen hormone levels in the body, which counterbalances androgen (hormones that increase oil production). In doing so, this medication stops or slows the onset of acne.

Despite the benefits, acne medication promotes side effects. Among them are: dryness, irritation, and dermatitis (red, dry, itchy skin). If dermatitis occurs, discontinue use and apply a hydrocortisone cream, an anti-inflammatory agent found in most drugstores.

In the case of oral contraceptives, tender breasts, menstrual abnormalities, headaches, and fatigue are common side effects in girls and women. In all other cases, temporary discontinuation of the acne medication and reduction in dosage usually lessen or eliminate side effects.

In the end, the acne medication used depends highly on a person's particular biology and the type of acne exhibited. Regardless, however, the use of such treatment requires caution and the advice of a doctor.

So now you know a little bit about Acne. Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.

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