Acne is caused by accumulation of dead skin cells, overactive oil glands or an attack by the P. acnes bacteria. Acne treatment involves striking at any one-root cause or taking a multi-pronged approach. However, the best acne treatment is to be decided only by the dermatologist and it may be that the nature and severity of the acne problem, the patient's age, lifestyle and medication routine may merit an individualized treatment.



Generally, acne treatment is categorized into three broad spectrums. The most common, however, an instant but temporary cure is by killing the bacteria that are caused by the blocked follicles. This is done either by the intake of antibiotics like tetracycline, or by treating the affected areas externally with bactericidal substances like benzoyl peroxide. As one can guess, it does nothing to control the oil secretion that is the root of all blocked follicles and henceforth, acnes, return successfully after the treatment is successfully over.

The second method is by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands. This is done by a daily intake of Vitamin A derivates like isotretinoin over a period of a few months. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and often cures acne for good. The treatment requires close medical examination by a dermatologist since the drug has many known side effects.

The third, popular, acne treatment involves exfoliating the skin. This process encourages the peeling of the top layer of skin to prevent a build-up of dead skin cells which combine with skin oil to block pores. It also helps to unblock clogged pores.

Severely sore cysts require the injection of interlesional corticosteroid, which acts by melting the cyst within 3-5 days and prevents scars. Isotretinoin is an effective acne scar treatment. It works by reducing the activity of the oil glands and is widely regarded as the most effective drug to fight cystic acne. However, this pill has serious side-effects on liver and the nervous system and as such should not be used during pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives like norgestimate, ethynodiol and norethindrone acetate work against acne by decreasing the activity of the oil glands.

For people sensitive to some acne drugs, sodium sulfacetamide is an effective alternative treatment.

Laser therapy, which scrapes away the top layer of the skin, thereby removing the dead cells, is an effective acne treatment with enduring effects. This peeling of the skin is also achieved by the increasingly popular TCA peels. Easy to use, these peels reach deep into the skin coming up with results that last up to a year. Not only do they remove the acne, but also prevent its recurrence. They are now available for home use (see the link below). TCA peels are the most cost effective acne treatment and should be a part of any acne or skin care regimen.

The acne treatment may sound easy but you should never indulge in self-medication. Some acne drugs are quite powerful and any misuse may trigger irreversible side effects. Nor should acne be treated by pricking the pimples. This causes scarring that even an extensive acne scar treatment cannot reverse. Catch them young is the motto of every dermatologist treating acne. So do not neglect even the tiniest blackhead.

Acne treatment is safe as long as you are in the right hands.