Learn More About Antibiotics, Retinoids And The Different Acne Products Available.

Many people try to treat pimples or acne by themselves using acne products they can find in pharmacies and stores. However, it is always a good idea to check with a dermatologist when you notice any kind of unusual skin condition. Even if it turns out to be acne, the doctor can give you valuable information and advice about how to treat it.

Mild and moderate conditions of acne can often be treated with acne products in shops but severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist and prescription medicine. Even if the acne is moderate, a prescription medicine may be more effective than what is available in regular pharmacies and stores.

Basically there are two types of prescription acne medications, oral and topical. Antibiotics are often used to fight acne, and they can be taken orally or as a lotion. Topical acne medications on the other hand usually include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids.

The most common antibiotic used for treating acne is tetracycline. It is used to kill the bacteria responsible for acne and also reduces inflammation. Using antibiotics as acne treatment may take several weeks or even months to be effective and must continue even after the acne has cleared up. A common side effect associated with acne products that use tetracycline is increased sensitivity to sun light resulting in bad sunburns. Other side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, and hives.

So instead of using oral antibiotics you might want to try ointments as acne medications instead. They have fewer complications and are effective in killing bacteria which is a major cause of acne. When this is used in conjunction with other topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide the bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.

There are also topical acne products that contain retinoids. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and can be applied directly on the skin in the form of lotions or creams. Topical retinoid acne medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. There is a small common side effect of topical retinoids which is dry skin.

Oral retinoids can be used for more severe forms of acne which don't respond to other acne products. Oral retinoids cause the upper layer of the skin to peel thereby opening pores. They also cause the body to produce less sebum – the substance which causes oily skin.

However there are a number of serious side effects are associated with oral retinoids. They can cause birth defects if mothers are taking them when pregnant, so females must use two forms of birth control if they are under retinoid treatment. They can also cause liver damage and depression, so regular medical attention is needed to make sure the patient is not being adversely affected by retinoid treatment.

Other forms of acne medications include birth control pills. This can only be used by women and works by changing the hormone levels in the body and reducing the acne causing effects of testosterone. Other new products include zinc which is a relatively new treatment that has proven to be effective but only in certain cases. Remember, before trying anything new, check with your dermatologist for the most effective treatment possible.

Acne Products