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Using Antibiotics to Reduce Acne
Antibiotics can be necessary to treat acne in most cases,
whether it is mild, moderate, or severe. The type of antibiotic
you use is determined by your skin texture and the severity
of your condition.
Sometimes you can get by with Bacitracyn or other over-the-counter
medications such as three-step 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, which
is in many cases ideal because of the proven three-step approach
to treating acne.
[We found the above process to be so effective
that we built what we feel is the perfect three-step acne fighter,
called Tru-derma. More information
can be found here.]
Acne’s scientific name is “Acne Vulgaris”
and affects two out of three adolescents and a good percentage
of adults. It is caused by oily skin or by carrying bacteria
to sensitive areas due to bad habits.
What type of treatment is right?
Once a person has the disease, there are several medications and topical
treatments that
can be used. First of all, the person’s state
of mind needs to be considered. If the person is embarrassed or has
frequent outbreaks, it is best to consult a dermatologist before beginning
self-medication. Not everyone has the same skin type, so using the
same antibiotic as a friend or family member may be the opposite of
what a person needs. Applying the wrong medicine may actually exacerbate
the condition or cause adverse side effects.
Antiseptic Soap Helps
Antiseptic soap that is mild without any abrasives is helpful on mild
acne areas. This soap is also very good in keeping hands free from
bacteria and should be used many times throughout the day as a hand
wash. If a person visits public places frequently, it is highly
recommended that the person should always carry a good antiseptic
soap
If you are confused about what treatment options are available,
or are nervous about taking oral medications, we highly recommend
reading more about our three-step topical acne treatment Tru-derma.
For more information on other treatment options,
click here.
Acne hits most patients in mild cases
that can be treated with over-the-counter
gels, creams or lotions. The most important
thing to do in any type of condition is
to wash the face and affected areas twice
a day with a mild soap, using plenty of
water to rinse, and a microfiber
cloth to grab oil the soap brings to
the surface. Rinsing with cold water helps
to close the pore and keep them from being
vulnerable to bacteria.
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- Mild over-the-counter antiseptic washes containing benzoyl
peroxide, Azelaic acid or clindamycin solution, can
be helpful. As part of a three-step approach to acne, use
these products over the entire outbreak area, not just one
or two pimples. Flaking or smearing can accidentally carry
the infection to other parts of the face, shoulders, back
or chest.
- There are some agents for mild topical treatment that
require a prescription from a doctor. Those include Erythromycin
and Retinoids. They usually work well and rid your skin
of blemishes in a few days.
- Severe
acne that begins with moderate outbreaks requires more
attention. A doctor will usually suggest a topical treatment
as well as prescribe oral medicines until the infection
is cleared up. Some antibiotics include tetracycline or
members of the penicillin family. **Extreme care needs to
be taken if you choose to take oral medications as many
lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Those who are
prone to depression or who are going through pressing/challenging
times in their lives should use only to topical acne treatments.
For
more treatment options, click here.**
- In the most severe cases, doctors will usually suggest
higher doses of antibiotics for up to six months or more.
For women, the dermatologist may prescribe antiandrogens,
which is a hormonal treatment, along with oral isotretinoin
known to rid the skin of comedones and inhibits the growth
of bacteria. Be sure you fully understand every option before
you adjust your hormone levels with these drugs. For
more treatment options, click here. WARNING:
"Accutane may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely,
suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide."
- In extreme cases a doctor may suggest laser therapy that
is proving to be effective in skin improvement as far as
texture is concerned and in closing the pores.
There is another treatment similar to laser therapy called
cyrotherapy (freezing the skin). Liquid nitrogen or carbon
dioxide is used as the substance for injection into the
infected pores.
It is relatively inexpensive and safe. To
learn more about laser treatments, click here.
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