Topical and Oral Acne Medicines


Topical and oral medicines play an important role in the treatment of acne.

At Reflections we believe that combining topical medicines should be combined with lasers to enhance results. Acne has many causes and if you attack it with modalities that each work differently, you have the best success in finally controlling this troubling disorder for the long term.

Treatment must be tailored to the type of acne and acne lesions that someone has. The following section describes the desirable medical therapy for each type of acne lesion.


Blackheads and whiteheads:

Blackheads or Whiteheads are blockages of oil glands. The blackheads are more superficial than the whiteheads. Their black color is not dirt, but the oil and skin debris that accumulates in the opening of the oil gland and is visible on the surface.



Treatments for Blackheads & Whiteheads

Retinoids such as Adapalene (Differin), or Retinoic Acid (e.g. Retin A)

Azelaic Acid (Azelex)

Alpha Hydroxy Acids - such as Glycolic acid

Salicylic acid - (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

Benzoyl Peroxide



Papules and Pustules

Papules and Pustules are blockages of oil glands that have been inflamed. Papules are red pimples. Pustules are pimples with a central collection of white pus at their top.
Treatments for Blackheads & Whiteheads

Topical warm (NOT HOT) water compresses

Topical antibiotics such as Clindamycin (Cleocin T and Clindets), or Erythromycin (Akne-Mycin, A/T/S, Emgel, Erycette, Erygel, Erymax)

Topical Retinoids such as Adapalene (Differin), or Retinoic Acid (e.g. Retin A)

Topical Benzoyl Peroxide

Topical Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzaclin Gel)

Topical Erythromycin and Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin)
Topical Azelaic Acid (Azelex)
ORAL medications such as:
• Antibiotics: Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline, or Erythromycin
• Birth Control Pills (when indicated, in women)



Cysts or Nodules

Cysts or Nodules are blockages of oil glands that have burst open and produced inflammation and pus in the surrounding tissue. These lesions have the potential to produce long-term scarring. Treatment of these lesions can minimize or prevent subsequent side effects.

Treatments for Blackheads & Whiteheads

ORAL medications such as:
• Antibiotics: Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline, or Erythromycin
• Birth Control Pills (when indicated, in women)
• Cortisone

Acne surgery followed by a gentle flushing with a very dilute cortisone (usually, approximately 3 mg per cc of Triamcinolone Acetonide) through the drained cyst or nodule.

Topical warm (NOT HOT) water compresses

In situations where these treatments do not produce an improvement over the course of several weeks or months, oral Accutane can be discussed with the patient. Accutane is contraindicated in pregnant, possibly pregnant, or women contemplating pregnancy and should be used carefully or not at all in


Acne Mechanica

Prevention

Wear a clean cotton T-shirt under a sports uniform. Cotton absorbs perspiration and reduces friction against the skin from the uniform. Shower immediately after athletic activities. Wash the chest, back and buttocks and areas that were under straps, padding or tight uniform. Liquid cleansers containing salicylic acid are useful for removing surface oils and unclogging pores. Avoid covering the forehead with a headband or cap for prolonged periods

Treatment

Applying a topical (applied to the skin) acne medication that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to the lesions as soon as they appear is often effective. Another effective method is to eliminate the cause of acne mechanica.