Prescription Acne Treatments
Tetracycline, Doxycycline, and Minocycline
Antibiotics have been used for decades to combat acne by inhibiting the p. acnes bacteria from producing a certain protein it needs to live and multiply. By killing p. acnes, these antibiotics treat the cause of acne, ending the infection and clearing your complexion. These antibiotics can also reduce acne scarring because they speed up the healing process.
However, like most acne medications, these antibiotics do have side effects; some of them can be severe, especially those from Minocycline. Tetracycline and Doxycycline are gentler, and their potential side effects include nasea, diarrhea, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to the UV rays, either from the sun or tanning beds.
Side effects of Minocycline include the development of very serious conditions, such as heart and respiratory difficulty and failure and Minocycline use has been linked with at least two deaths. Minocycline can also affect your ability to operate a car and can cloud your judgment. It is also very dangerous for pregnant women to use Minocycline, as it can cause skeletal defects in their unborn child. Also, children under eight years old cannot take Minocycline because it can cause permanent graying or yellowing of the teeth and can impair their growth and development. Outdated Minocycline must be disposed of, as it can cause kidney damage if taken.
In addition, the use of any antibiotic can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, which can make the use of antibiotics to treat acne risky for many women.
Although the body does not build a resistance to Minocycline quickly, experts are increasingly recommending other antibiotics because reduced risk of serious side effects.
Accutane
Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, Amnesteem, and Clarvis, is a prescription acne medication used to treat moderate to severe acne. It comes from a family of chemicals called retinoids, which are a derivative of vitamin A. Accutane has been for over twenty years to treat and, in many cases, completely cure acne. Accutane accomplishes this cure by stopping your body from secreting oil while you are taking it, which is generally about 4-5 months. Unfortunately Accutane is a toxic substance and has a long list of potential side effects, especially concerning women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. There are several birth defects that may result from Accutane use, including mental retardation, facial abnormalities, heart problems. There is also an increased risk of infant mortality and premature birth. Because Accutane is so dangerous to unborn children, the manufacturer has set up a rigid program to regulate Accutane’s use and distribution. Before a woman can be prescribed Accutane, she must pass a pregnancy test and begin taking birth control pills. It is also required that she must use an additional form of contraception while she is taking Accutane and for a period of time afterward.
In addition to severe birth defects, other common side effects include hair loss, soreness, dry skin, nosebleeds, dry eyes, and chapped lips. There is also significant evidence that Accutane can cause users to become depressed and attempt suicide.
Accutane is very effective for permanently clearing acne, but it has several serious medical and cosmetic side effects. Before taking Accutane you should first try some other, safer acne treatments.
Retin A
Retin A is a Retinoid like Accutane, but Retin A is much less toxic and is applied topically instead of taken as a pill. Retin A works by causing the skin to shed cells more quickly, which clears pores and gives acne less chance to develop. However, like Accutane, Retin A has some bothersome side effects.
Because Retin A essential causes your skin to become thinner, it is more sensitive to light, gets dried out easily, and can become irritated. Retin A also carries a risk for birth defects and must be avoided by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Many people find that their skin gets very dry when they first begin using Retin A, and discontinue use. However, you must use Retin A for 1-2 months to see noticeable results.
Birth Control Pills
Some birth control pills claim to reduce the appearance of acne because of the effect it has on hormones. Although many women say that birth control has cleared their complexion, many others say it has no effect or made their acne worse.
Although birth control pills have several benefits, they may not be the most effective treatment for acne, and should be considered carefully before using, since it does alter your hormonal imbalance. Many women report than the pill does help ease cramps, but weight gain and reduced sex drive are also fairly common.
Interlesional Corticosteroid Injection
This treatment is injected directly into cystic nodules to help them heal. The fluid injected is very diluted, but is similar to anti-inflammatory injections use to help knee and back problems. In addition its anti-inflammatory effects, this injection helps to dissolve the cyst and begin healing within 3-5 days. Interlesional Corticosteroid Injection must be done by a trained physician.
Conclusion
No matter how severe your acne is, there is a treatment option that will work for you. Your skin type and acne type will determine what treatments are effective and which have little effect. For most people, using some type of over the counter acne treatment will improve their skin, although it may not clear their acne altogether. However, some people may elect to seek the help of a dermatologist, especially if their acne is more severe. Although dermatologists are trained professionals, you should learn and understand any treatments they suggest, and be familiar with any side effects. In some acne treatments, side effects are a possibility, but in others, like Accutane, you are almost guaranteed to experience several of the known side effects. Before beginning any treatment, you need to know the risks and decide if being acne free is worth the risks that come with your acne treatment.