Having just one acne pimple appear on the face without warning is distressful and embarrassing to some. What makes it tough is not knowing when it will go away and wanting it to disappear before going out in public.
It's hard not to pick at the pimple even though we hear warnings not to because it could lead to infection and scarring.
Having acne isn't a serious life or death health matter? But for people who suffer severe outbreaks, it feels like it?
Many of these acne suffers will try over the counter medication like Stridex or Clearasil. The active ingredients in most of these medications they buy at the drug store are Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid.
If the acne still doesn't go away after trying these medications, they will have to see a doctor who can prescribe stronger drugs.
While some of these acne medicines work, they have unpleasant side effects.
- Benzoyl Peroxide can irritate or redden the skin
- Retin-A will make skin more sensitive to sun light
- Accutane can make people feel depressed and suicidal
Stronger acting medications usually have harsher side effects.
Not everyone will experience the same side effects or to the same degree. Luckily, some of these side effects go away or become tolerable with gradual and continuing use. Or they disappear when discontinued.
There is no cure for acne. These over the counter or prescription medications help clear up the skin and reduce the acne count. Long-term continuous use is required to prevent future breakouts.
Living with severe acne isn't easy. It prevents us from having a healthy social life. We don't want people seeing us and we don't like seeing ourselves in the mirror. We are preoccupied with our acne and it can put us into a depression.
If you feel you are at this stage or you know someone who is, remind yourself or that person that there is hope. You don't have to wait until you're old enough to grow out of it. Professional care and treatment are now available to help you with your struggle to eliminate acne from your life once and for all.
