Acne Treatments
Fortunately, today we have many treatments for acne that are very effective. This disease represents a large percentage of dermatological consultations. This percentage increases among the pediatric population and in primary care.
The Brazilian Society of Dermatology estimates that more than half of the population lives with the problem after 25 years of age. In fact, this disease can persist after the age of 40 years.
It is a disease that develops due to different factors, which is why it is considered multifactorial. Currently, we have a broad therapeutic arsenal that is effective in controlling each of the factors involved in the development of acne.
However, to know the most appropriate option in our case, it is essential to know how this disease occurs and what triggers are involved. Also, as the American Academy of Dermatology suggests, we should also consult a dermatologist.
Anyway, we want to make a brief review of this skin disease and the possible treatments that can be prescribed to fight it. So, remember them and get your questions answered with the professional.
What is acne and why does it occur?
As a disease so common among the general population, you’ve certainly heard of it or even suffered from it. Acne is a skin problem that originally occurs in hair follicles. Hair follicles are the part of the skin where body hair grows.
During this illness, a type of fat plug and dead cells are formed in these follicles. As a result, comedones, blackheads and pimples form, which are the main symptoms of this skin disorder.
All these acne symptoms can appear on different parts of the body. However, the most frequent areas are the face, back, chest and shoulders.
On the other hand, regarding the causes, we commented that it is a multifactorial disorder. As there are many factors involved in its development, four main ones were established:
- An excess of fat production.
- Any bacterial infection such as that produced by Propionibacterium acnes.
- Obstruction of hair follicles by accumulation of fat and dead skin cells.
- A high hormonal activity, especially from androgens.
In addition, there are other factors that favor the development of this disease and aggravate it. For example, stress can make this condition worse, as well as certain medications and diet, as studies show.
When and how should we look for acne treatments
Treatments for acne should be done as soon as the disease is identified. Therefore, when observing the lesions, it is best to consult the dermatologist to determine the best option in our case before the more severe symptoms appear.
It should be taken into account that each type of injury has a specific treatment and, therefore, the professional’s diagnosis is essential. In fact, additional testing may be needed to determine its origin.
General treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing bacterial growth. Therefore, treatment should be applied to the entire affected area, not locally to the injuries caused. Here are some of the most used acne treatments.
Different treatments for acne
Depending on the purpose for which they are used, we can classify acne treatments into:
- Targeted to reduce ductal epithelial cell desquamation.
- Fight bacterial infections.
- Decrease fat production: the most used drug is isotretinoin, which is a product of vitamin A metabolism. It is the treatment of choice when there is a risk of scarring.
Acne treatments aimed at reducing skin cell flaking
Among the most used treatments, we can mention the following three:
- Tretinoin : is a retinoid drug that can normalize follicle obstruction. It also has anti-inflammatory and preventive action for the formation of known pimples.
- Salicylic acid : is less effective than tretinoin. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Adapalene or tazarotene : these are new treatments with similar efficacy to tretinoin.
Medicines used to fight bacterial infections
The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes is very sensitive to many antibiotics. Among the most used drugs for this purpose, we can mention the following:
- Benzoyl peroxide, especially associated with erythromycin.
- Clindamycin.
- Systemic antibiotics: such as doxycycline, minocycline or co-trimoxazole.
