Acne Treatment

There are many treatments for common acne. Many are mild with few side effects. Others cause dangerous side effects in some women. The trick is to use the mildest treatment that works for you.

Over-the-counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide help prevent whiteheads and blackheads from forming and kill the bacteria that cause pimples. They are good to treat mild acne.

For more severe cases, a health care provider can prescribe antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid, a Vitamin A derivative that helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads from forming. Antibiotic pills are also helpful. Some women break out mainly around their menstrual periods, so taking antibiotic pills right around that time monthly can help. Retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can sensitize skin to the sun, so it's important to wear sunscreen and avoid the sun while using them. And know that if you are taking birth control pills, antibiotics can affect how they work.  You can use another method of birth control (in addition to the pill), such as condoms or a diaphragm, when taking antibiotics.

For severe, scarring acne with large pimples called cysts, isotretinoin (Accutane ®) can be used. This is powerful medication that also causes severe birth defects. For this reason, it should only be used for severe acne when other treatments are not working. It should be prescribed and monitored by a knowledgeable health care provider. Side effects include dry eyes and mouth, and blood test abnormalities. Never take Accutane ® that was prescribed for someone else.