Acne Treatments Prescribed by Your Doctor
When acne first is noticed, most people treat pimples with over-the-counter (OTC) products. But if your acne has not improved after several months of care with OTC products, you should seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist (skin specialist).
What should I tell the doctor when I visit?
When you visit your doctor, describe the type of breakouts that you have (including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts) and how long you have had them. Also tell the doctor if your breakouts worsen with other factors such as stress, certain foods, your periods (for women), or other factors in your life.
Tell your doctor all medications that you are currently taking. You should also mention all treatments that you use or have used to control your acne. Also describe your usual skin care routine and any products you use to wash your skin.
What types of recommendations can I expect?
Your doctor will probably prescribe either medications to be applied directly to the skin, medications to take by mouth, or a combination of these treatments. Mild acne is usually treated with medications used on the skin and moderate to severe acne usually will require medications that are taken by mouth. Antibiotic medications can be used either way but only for a short period of time to prevent resistance to the medication.
What types of treatments may be prescribed to use on your skin?
Medications applied to the skin may be used alone or in combination such as:
- Antibiotics: clindamycin or erythromycin to treat bacteria that causes acne.
- Retinoids: adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin are made from Vitamin A. They are used to reduce inflammation and formation of whiteheads and blackheads.
- Azelaic acid: used to reduce inflammation and formation of whiteheads and blackheads, in addition to some antibacterial actions. The prescription formula is a greater strength than the over-the-counter product.
- Dapsone: used to reduce inflammation and as an antibacterial treatment.
What types of treatments may be prescribed to take by mouth?
You may receive a prescription for medications that are taken by mouth. These may include:
- Antibiotics: such as tetracyclines, erythromycin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole are used to reduce inflammation and treat bacteria.
- Isotretinoin: made from Vitamin A and acts to manage all causes of acne. However, because this medication can cause severe birth defects, it is necessary for those receiving the medication to be registered with a monitoring program (iPledge).
- Oral contraceptives: indicated for women if they are not responsive to other treatments and note a relationship between their period and breakouts of acne.
What can I expect from prescription drug treatments for my acne?
Your doctor will monitor how well you respond to your treatment(s). Tell them if you are having any reactions to the medications, especially if you are taking medications by mouth. Your doctor may change your medication based on your response or any side effects that you may experience.
Summary
The goals for acne treatment are to clear up current acne issues and prevent new breakouts. Your doctor may need to try different medications to reach these goals. Be sure to ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about your medication or how to use it.