Suggested acne medications and how to use them effectively

1. A few words about acne

Before choosing acne medication, doctors will help you better understand this common skin disease. Acne is a form of dermatitis. These pimples are formed due to clogged hair follicles on the skin. All areas of the body can develop acne, of which the face, neck, shoulders, back, and arms are most common. There are many types of acne such as whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, pustules, etc.

Acne makes you lose confidence in communication

Acne often recurs, leaving dark spots or scars on the skin and is likely to occur in people from 11 to 30 years old because this is the stage when the sebaceous glands are highly active, making the skin susceptible to inflammation.

The common cause of acne is the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. However, some factors can also increase the stimulation of sebum blockage and cause acne on the skin such as increased Androgen levels, stress, staying up late, frequent makeup, using cosmetics that are not suitable for the skin, diet too high in sugar and starch, alcohol and tobacco abuse, etc.

2. Some acne medications

The effects of acne medications are to help reduce swelling, reduce oil secretion, and treat infections if acne is caused by bacteria. Most patients need to take medication for a long time, several months or years, to achieve the best results.

Acne cream is very easy to use.

There are many types of acne medications, including topical and oral forms. Depending on age, type of acne, how much acne, etc., the doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication. If necessary, the patient can use both topical and oral medications. After taking the medication, the patient needs to return for a check-up to assess the skin condition and continue taking the medication if necessary to improve the skin in the best way.

Commonly used acne medications today:

2.1. Topical medications

This medicine is often used in mild cases, acne is not much and has not caused serious damage to the patient's skin. Topical medicines can also easily heal acne. Before using the medicine, you need to clean the skin.

Topical acne medications also come in many forms, such as lotions, creams, and gels. Some are available over-the-counter, while others are prescription acne medications. Here are some common topical medications:

- Salicylic acid: This medication helps unclog your pores and prevent new pimples from forming. Salicylic acid products (such as makeup removers) are available over-the-counter. Side effects include skin discoloration, stinging, and mild irritation.

- Benzoyl peroxide: Has the effect of eliminating acne-causing bacteria, removing dead skin, excess oil, thereby reducing the risk of clogged pores. Benzoyl peroxide products with concentrations of 2.5% - 10% can be prescribed without a prescription. Some side effects of the drug include dry skin, burning sensation, etc. To limit the risk of side effects, you should use liquid form and have a concentration lower than 2.5%.

- Retinoids: The use of this medicine is to exfoliate dead skin cells and limit the risk of dead skin accumulation and excess acne in hair follicles. The medicine is usually in the form of a cream or gel and is applied once a day and before going to bed. Note that you should apply the medicine after you have washed the acne-affected skin for about 20 minutes. Only apply a moderate amount. The medicine can also cause some unwanted effects such as mild irritation or stinging on the skin. Pregnant women should not use the medicine to avoid the risk of birth defects.

- Antibiotic cream: The effect of the drug is to eliminate bacteria that cause hair follicle infections. Apply the drug to the acne area once or twice. This product can cause redness, burning, and peeling of the skin.

2. 2. Oral medication

If acne does not improve after using topical medications or if the acne is severe, your doctor may prescribe oral acne medications. Here are some common types:

Oral acne medications are suitable for people with more severe acne.

- Antibiotics such as doxycycline or clarithromycin…. The effect of this drug is to reduce sebum secretion and prevent acne.

- Birth control pills: Often used if antibiotics are not effective. By regulating androgen hormones, this drug will limit the overactivity of the sebaceous glands and thereby effectively reduce acne.

When using birth control pills to treat acne, patients may also experience some side effects such as nausea, headaches, chest pain, decreased libido, even high blood pressure, heart attack, etc. Patients should not arbitrarily use or abuse drugs, but should only use them if prescribed by a doctor.

3. Some other ways to treat acne

Depending on the acne condition, the doctor will develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient. In addition to acne medication, patients can be treated with light therapy, chemical peels and dermabrasion, etc. Below are some notes during the treatment process:

You should wash your face to prevent acne effectively.

- Cleanse your skin every day and clean it properly.

- Maintain a healthy diet, prioritize eating lots of green vegetables, drink enough water and limit the use of stimulants.

- Control stress well, balance rest and work.

Above is information about some acne medications. If acne is widespread, you should see a doctor early so that the doctor can develop an effective treatment plan, limiting the risk of complications and major effects on aesthetics.

Dermatology Department - MEDLATEC Healthcare System has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and a modern medical equipment system, making it a prestigious medical address for the examination and treatment of dermatological diseases.

For any questions or medical examination needs, please call the hotline 1900 56 56 56.