Doctor Prescribed Acne Treatments

Although many people find that natural treatments and over the counter acne treatments help their acne problem, for some these treatments may not work. Some people have acne so severe that they end up having to see a dermatologist, who then prescribes some prescription acne treatments for them to use. It is definitely important to note that doctor prescribed acne treatments are usually used in extreme cases only; however, if your doctor is talking about prescribing you prescription acne treatments, then you will want to become familiar with them. You need to understand the benefits, drawbacks, and types of doctor prescribed acne treatments so you can make informed decisions based on quality information.

Benefits of Prescription Acne Treatments

If you have moderate to sever acne, you may need to use doctor prescribed acne treatments. In some cases over the counter treatments may not be working for you, so using prescription treatments that are stronger can help you get rid of the acne. Prescription acne treatments are beneficial to people who have had no luck with over the counter treatments. They are also beneficial because many of them actually treat the actual problem instead of just treating the symptoms of the acne problem.

A Few Drawbacks to Consider

When you consider doctor prescribed acne treatments it is important that you take a close look at the drawbacks. There are many draw backs to taking doctor prescribed acne treatments, and one is that they can be so harsh on your skin. In some cases these prescribed treatments can irritate your skin and even make the problem worse. If you are taking antibiotics, you may risk killing off good bacteria in your body as well as the bad, and over time you may even become immune to the antibiotics you are taking. Many of the prescription acne treatments also have long lists of side effects as well, so you need to decide whether or not you can live with the side effects of these medications before you begin taking them.

Types of Prescribed Acne Treatments Available

If you are considering doctor prescribed acne treatments you will no doubt want to know what types of treatments are out there and how they work. Five of the most used doctor prescribed acne treatments include prescription strength benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, chemical peels, antibiotics, and oral contraceptives.

1. Prescription Strength Benzoly Peroxide – Although many over the counter acne treatments use benzoly peroxide, in some cases people may need a prescription strength version of the treatment. The concentration in prescription treatments is definitely much higher than that of the over the counter treatments and this means that it can be more drying as well.

2. Retinoids – Another very common type of doctor prescribed acne treatment is retinoids. You can use topical treatments that contain retinoids, or you can take pills that contain them as well. On the down side, when you are using this type of prescription acne treatment you will have to be very careful in the sun, since your skin will be extra sensitive to sunlight.

3. Chemical Peels – Chemical peels are often used as a doctor prescribed acne treatment as well. These peels help to get rid of the top layer of your skin, which helps to treat the acne and reveal new skin as well. The only problem is that the acne can come back again even after using these peels.

4. Antibiotics – Many doctors will also prescribe antibiotics to help treat the acne problem. This is often the prescription of choice for people who have cystic acne. When you take the antibiotics, usually it will take about 4-5 weeks of taking it before you begin to see any results on your skin.

5. Oral Contraceptives – For many women oral contraceptives are used as doctor prescribed acne treatments. This type of medication helps to regulate the hormones in a woman’s body, which helps to limit the amount of oil that is produced. Limiting the amount of oil can help to stop the acne problem and many women find these oral contraceptives to be extremely effective for them.

There is definitely a lot to consider if you are thinking of taking doctor prescribed acne treatments. While in some cases they can be very helpful, in other cases they can cause more problems as well. Be sure that you talk this over with your doctor and discuss any problems or reactions you may have when taking these prescription acne treatments. You want to treat your acne effectively with as little risk and irritation as possible.