If you have tried home remedies and haven't been able to successfully control your acne then it is time to talk with your doctor or a dermatologist about starting medical treatment for your acne. There are several options available to you and your doctor can help you determine which treatment option is the best for your skin needs and situation.



The first option most doctors will recommend is topical antibiotics and antibacterials. Drugs in this category include erythromycin, clindamycin, sulfacetamide and azelaic acid. A second option is the use of Retinoids. The most popular option is Retin-A which has been around for awhile and offers a mild and gentle solution while still being effective. Two newer retinoids available through your doctor include adapalene and tazarotene. Both of these medications do well when unclogging pores but some side effects including irritation and a mild increase in sensitivity to the sun. However, you can still use these products on sunny days as long as you use proper protection.

If topical products aren't effective your doctor may recommend trying oral antibiotics. Typically a doctor will start with tetracycline or a similar product such as doxycycline and minocycline. Other drugs that have been proven useful for acne treatment include cefadroxil, amoxicillin and sulfa drugs. Some allergic reactions can occur with these drugs such as gastrointestinal upset and increased sensitivity to the sun. Doxycycline can also cause esophagitis which is an irritation of the esophagus that causes discomfort when swallowing and an increased chance of sunburn.

While many are concerned about taking oral antibiotics for long periods of time there is no risk of a weakened immune system from taking antibiotics orally for months or longer. You will not be more susceptible to infections or unable to use other antibiotics when necessary just because you are taking antibiotics for your acne. The only risk from long-term antibiotic use was found in recent studies of breast cancer, but further study is still necessary.

Consider laser acne treatment:

For serious cases of acne or scars then laser treatments can be a good option. During recent years reports have shown good success with lasers and similar devices to treat acne either by itself or along with photosensitizing dyes. These treatments are also very safe and effective, but it isn't yet known how long the effects last. Laser treatment is still considered an adjunct to regular acne therapy and is not yet a substitute.

Lastly there is the option of chemical peels. There are superficial peels using glycolic acid that are done by estheticians and then there are deeper chemical peels which are done in the doctor's office. However, chemical peels will only offer you modest, supportive benefits and are generally not considered a substitute for regular acne treatments.

There are many medical treatments for acne available and one of them should help you get rid of your acne issue. However, it is always important to discuss the issue with your doctor so they can tell you of all the side effects and help you choose which acne treatment option will be best for your individual needs.