Cystic (Severe) & Mild Acne Treatments

While acne isn't a serious health threat, it can provide serious and even disfiguring scarring if not kept properly in check. While there is no definitive cure for acne, there are many very successful acne treatments that can be used to significantly diminish the effects and scope of your acne outbreaks.

Common treatments for mild and cystic acne include the following:

1) Reducing the productivity of the sebaceous glands.
2) Reducing the bacteria that foster a suitable habit in which acne can thrive.
3) Keeping skin exfoliated so that dead skin cells are removed before they can clog pores.

Whether you are treating mild or severe acne it is important that you consider the causes of the acne you are treating. Also remember that you should never pop or squeeze pimples as this might trigger the spread of infection to other areas of your skin or cause an infection that will lead to acne scarring.

Mild acne can typically be treated with over the counter acne creams and homeopathic treatments. Follow the instructions carefully and remember to watch your diet, your water intake, and to be sure that you are washing your face with a mild antiseptic soap and water at least twice daily in addition to using the topical treatment. Be sure to be gentle when cleaning your face that so that you aren't spreading the infection.

For more moderate cases of acne stronger topical treatments might be required. In order to obtain a prescription you really should talk to your doctor. While you are there he or she may wish to rule out a possible bacterial cause for your acne, be sure to answer questions honestly and openly with your doctor as dishonest answers can result in ineffective treatment based on false information. If you have a bacterial condition, your doctor is likely to prescribe an oral antibiotic. Be sure to watch for signs that your antibiotic is no longer effective as some bacterial strains can develop immunities to antibiotics.

For women suffering from acne oral contraceptives are often prescribed and antiandrogens are commonly prescribed to men who suffer from this skin condition. Androgens are naturally released in the body during puberty and work to stimulate the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum. Isotretinoin is taken orally and is credited for eliminated acne in many people on a long-term basis. This drug reduces the size of the sebaceous glands so that the can no longer produce excessive amounts of sebum. This medicine is a highly effective treatment for acne, but it also carries with it great risks that should not be overlooked. Among the risks are severe birth defects if a woman were to become pregnant while taking Isotretinoin. Other risks are more personal but can include death, suicide, heart failure, kidney damage, and many other risks. Your decision to take this should be seriously discussed with your physician.

Other treatments for severe acne include intralesional corticosteroid therapy (a relatively painless injection of a diluted cortisone solution that relieves the pain of inflammation) and acne surgery.