There are a huge number of available treatments for acne. Some are described as 'topical' or 'external' preparations, meaning ones that you apply to the skin. There are also medicines taken orally (by mouth). More recently, various forms of 'light therapy' have been developed. All treatments work against different parts of the acne cycle.
The following is a brief description of the main acne treatments:
- Topical benzoyl peroxide. This kills bacteria and may prevent comedones.
- Topical antibiotics. These kill bacteria and are anti-inflammatory.
- Topical retinoids. These stop the formation of comedones.
- Light therapy. The bacteria in acne produce a chemical which becomes toxic when activated by light. This toxin kills the bacteria. Blue light therapy aims to produce this toxin by shining a special light on acne affected skin. Although this treatment is available in Australia, research is still being conducted into how useful it is. At this stage it does not appear to be any more useful then more readily available treatments.
- Oral antibiotics. These kill bacteria and reduce the amount of redness and swelling in the skin.
- Oral contraceptives. This is only prescribed for women. It counteracts the effect of male hormones in the body and reduces oil production and comedone formation.
- Isotretinoin. This is a prescription medication, taken in capsule or tablet form. Isotretinoin is the most effective of all available acne treatments, especially in moderate to severe cases. It reduces oil production, stops comedone formation, and causes a decrease in bacterial numbers, resulting in resolution of inflammation in the skin.
Treatment Options For Your Acne
The best combination of treatments for you will depend on many factors. Your doctor (or, via a referral from them to a dermatologist) will give you the best advice.
As a general rule the best treatments attack as many of the factors that cause acne (oil production, comedone formation, bacterial overgrowth and inflammation) as possible.
Here are some commonly prescribed treatments for various types of acne:
Mild Acne
A likely treatment will be a combination of a topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide and/or a topical antibiotic. These will need to be applied to all the affected skin, not just the 'spots'.
Moderate Acne
Once there is significant inflammation an oral antibiotic is usually required. These may take a number of weeks to start working, so you'll need to be patient. They are best combined with a topical retinoid. For women, hormonal therapy is also often a good option here. It can help treat all levels of acne.
Severe Acne
Oral antibiotics will be prescribed. If these fail, then isotretinoin capsules are indicated. In Australia only dermatologists can prescribe isotretinoin. You need to get a referral to see a dermatologist from your local doctor.
