Prescription Acne Medicines

In today's fast-paced world, as acne continues to victimize millions of people around the world, a variety of prescription acne medicines are available. There are some topical and systemic prescription acne medicines these days that play a vital role in acne treatment. It is necessary to note, in the first place, that topical prescription acne medicines are generally prescribed for mild to severe acne, while the systemic therapy is needed to treat severe acne and may be used for moderate cases.

One of the commonly used prescribed acne medicines in the United States today is the isotretinoin. This acne medicine is actually a powerful oral retinoid that is especially reserved for the treatment of acute cystic acne as well as for the severe acne that has proven itself resistant to other medications.

Aside from that, there are also some oral antibiotics that are recommended for patients with moderate to severe and persistent acne. These acne medicines have actually been mainstay of therapy for years. Just like the topical antimicrobials, the oral antibiotics generally function to lessen the P. acnes population, which is one of the contributing factors in this chronic skin disorder, which is in turn, reduces inflammation. As you may know, the treatment with acne medicines like oral antibiotics typically starts with a higher dosage and is reduced as acne resolves. However, it is worth noting that acne medicines of this kind are generally prescribed for six months or less.

There are also some oral contraceptives today that have been used to treat acne. It was particularly found out in some studies that oral contraceptives are effective acne medicines in women for the reason that they suppress the overactive sebaceous glands. This form of acne medicine is even considered by many people as a valuable form of long term therapy due to such effect. However, it is so important to note that oral contraceptives are not good acne medicines for women who smoke, have a blood-clotting disorder, older than 35 and those who have a history of migraine headaches, especially if without the advice of a gynecologist since it may just worsen the skin condition.

Finally, the topical retinoids are there as potent acne medicines. They can be applied to treat acne ranging from mild to moderately severe. It is interesting to know that this acne medicine is a derivative of vitamin A and is deemed by many as a cornerstone in the treatment of acne. They generally function to unclog the pores and prevent whiteheads as well as blackheads from forming. And, an added benefit in using this acne medicine is that retinoids can help diminish the signs of aging like the wrinkles and fine lines.