How to treat acne depends on the specific type and severity of acne, but here is a general overview of the more common approaches:

- The non-prescription topical meds: Most of these have a mild ingredient (e.g. benzoyl peroxide) with hopes of countering acne production.  Well worth a try for mild acne but keep in mind may initially cause some skin irritation or dryness…which often improves a few weeks down the line.

- The prescription topical meds: This category of topical meds can be further broken down into the Vitamin A products, antibiotics, and combination meds.  Retin-A and Differin are just two examples of Vitamin A products…which help to prevent plugging of the hair follicles.  The topical antibiotics kill skin bacteria and the combination medications typically include an antibiotic as well as the ingredient mentioned above, benzoyl peroxide, with hopes of attacking the acne two-fold.  And similar to the non-prescription meds, these products can also cause some initial peeling, burning, and redness of the skin.

- Oral antibiotics: Often used for more significant acne or when acne is found on the back, these medications often need to be used for a few months.  Typically, one will take the oral antibiotics while also using one of the topical meds discussed above.  Together, they can be quite effective.

- Isotretinoin: Well known to many as Accutane, I only mention this medication to acknowledge how effective it has been for so many significant acne sufferers over the years.  However, because of its long list of side effects and a more recent concern of its association with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, the makers of Accutane pulled it off the market.   Generic versions still are out there, but I’d like to think it’s only a matter of time before they are removed as well.

Final take home points: Best treatment options depend upon the severity of the acne and remember to be patient... resolution does not occur overnight.

Dr. Jeremy