Acne is one of the most common skin disorders in both males and females, occurring on the chest, face, shoulders and back. Almost everyone between the age of puberty and adulthood experiences acne.
Acne Medication
A variety of prescription medications are used today to clear acne. Topical (applied to the skin) medications may be prescribed for mild to severe acne. Systemic (works internally) therapy is needed to treat severe acne and may be used for moderate cases. These medications, which play an important role in acne treatment, attack the different factors that lead to acne.
Treatment of acne is not very satisfactory, because there is no specific remedy. Undoubtedly, many cases of minimal acne can be controlled by simple hygienic measures. The patient often takes this disorder very seriously. He feels unhappy, and hence needs medical advice and reassurance. Most cases of mild acne can be controlled by gently washing the affected area(s) and using a topical preparation, such as benzoyl peroxide.
One of the better acne treatments on the market today is ProActiv. ProActiv seems to be helping many people who could not find other solutions that worked. It has been featured on infomercials, news stories, magazine articles, and newspaper articles. Proactiv is a system that includes a renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner, and repairing lotion. Prescription grade benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in ProActiv.
Certain medications, especially hormones taken orally or by injection can increase acne as a side effect. Females often observe that their acne increases before or during their menstrual periods, as a result of the increased hormones present at this time. Every teen knows that stress and tension can induce acne flare ups.
In severe cases, an oral acne medication called isotretinoin (Accutane) may be prescribed. This is extremely effective, but side effects may include severe birth defects, changes in blood fats and cholesterols, and mood changes. Because of these side effects, Accutane is usually used only for patients with severe acne, or, in patients who have failed all other treatments.
Isotretinoin (eg Roaccutane) is a medicine known as an oral retinoid, which also exists in a topical form (see above). Isotretinoin works by drying up oily secretions. It tends to be prescribed to people with severe forms of acne that have proved resistant to other treatments. There a number of serious side-effects of this drug, such as liver disorders and depression. You should not take isotretinoin if you are pregnant, as it is very dangerous to an unborn baby.
Dosing
The recommended dose of isotretinoin is 0.5 to 2 mg per kg of body weight daily. The daily dose usually is administered in two divided doses for 15-20 weeks. Isotretinoin should be taken with food in order to improve its absorption.
You must buy yourself the right moisturizer that is according to your skin type and is acne friendly as well. The best use of the moisturizer is that it would not make your skin dry and would protect the skin from the effect of reddening caused by the benzoyl peroxide.
