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Overview
Newer Acne MedicineAcne is a frustrating condition, affecting more teens than any other age group. Adults can have acne as well, especially women who are pregnant or women with a menstrual cycle. Hormone changes in the body are a major cause of acne. There are a number of medications for acne, including topical lotions, antibiotics, oral retinoids and acne medicines physicians are trying.
Causes
Hair follicles are connected to sebaceous glands that secrete sebum, a lubricant for the skin and hair. Normally, the sebum travels up the hair follicle and deposits on the skin. When there is an excess of sebum, it gathers with an excess of skin cells and deposits around the hair follicles. The hair follicles plug. When hair follicles become infected, pimples erupt.
Topical Medications
Epidus is a newer topical gel. It is 0.1 percent adapalene, which is a retinoid, and 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, a common ingredient in topical gels. Adapalene, a retinoid, is a derivative of vitamin A. Retinoids prevent the plugging of hair follicles and help the turnover of skin cells. Benzoyl peroxide dries up oil and kills bacteria. In 2008, the Federal Drug Administration approved a form of the topical medicine Dapsone, for mild to moderate acne. Dapsone is a sulfone derivative used for the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis and lichen planus.
Oral Medications
Oracea is a low-dosage medication that doesn't have antibiotic activity. Antibiotic activity can cause yeast infections and a buildup of resistance to bacteria. Doctors prescribe antibiotics for short periods to help acne breakouts. Oracea is safe to take for the long term. Minocycline is now available as an extended-release medicine. It's taken once a day. It lessens the chance of dizziness and headaches, which are side effects of regular minocycline. Controlled-release doxycycline is an anti-inflammatory medication that helps control redness and swelling. It does not contain antibiotics.
Treatment Process
ClearCONCEPT Acne Treatment Process combines cleansing, laser therapy, light therapy and topical treatments. A physician assesses the patient and then customizes a treatment process. It is available in some states through primary care physicians or family practitioners.
Considerations
The Mayo Clinic lists a number of acne treatments that have shown success. Topical medicines that contain benzoyl peroxide work well on mild to moderate acne, as well as Tretinion, a vitamin A derivative. Short-term uses of antibiotics such as erythromycin are effective. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is effective for severe acne, but the physician must monitor it carefully. Oral contraceptives may work for women.
