How to treat severe acne

Deep cysts, inflammation, extensive damage to the skin and scarring characterize severe acne. It requires an aggressive treatment regimen. A dermatologist should definitely treat this problem. Severe, disfiguring forms of acne can require years of treatment and may experience one or more treatment failures during this time. However, almost every case of acne can be treated successfully. Physical methods and prescription medications that dermatologists use to treat severe acne include drainage and surgical excision, inter-lesion corticosteroid injection, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics, or oral contraceptives.

Over-the-counter products for acne that work

Some of these products are marked as acne treatments, but clinical trials have not confirmed their effectiveness. The value of such treatments is generally unknown, so you have to take care when choosing.

Resorcinol: This is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter acne medications. This procuct controls small acne lesions and is frequently combined with sulfur in over-the-counter products.

Salicylic acid: Effective in treating non-inflammatory acne lesions, salicylic acid helps correct the abnormal shedding of skin cells and unclog pores.
Salicylic acid does not have any effect on sebum production or P. acnes as the main acne causes. Like Benzoyl peroxide, you must use salicylic acid continuously. Once you stop, pores will clog and acne will probably return. You could find Salicylic acid in many over-the-counter acne products, including lotions, creams and pads. Keep in mind that in some cases it was found to be irritating to the skin.

Sulfur: Sulfur has been used for more than 50 years in combination with other agents, such as alcohol, salicylic acid and resorcinol. You could find this substance in many over-the-counter acne medications. While long used to treat acne, doctors never did prove how sulfur works to clear acne. Due to its unpleasant odor, sulfur is not frequently used alone as acne treatment.

Physical procedures for acne treatment

Dermatologists occasionally use physical procedures to help clear acne. Most popular methods are listed below.

    * Chemical peels such as glycolic acid and other chemical agents are used by dermatologists to loosen blackheads and decrease acne papules.
    * Comedo extraction works to extract whiteheads and blackheads. Dermatologists use a sterile pen-sized device, which should only be wielded by a medical professional.
    * Drainage and surgical extraction works when some large cysts do not respond to medication. Drainage and extraction, or acne surgery, reduces the pain associated with these cysts and decreases the likelihood of scarring.
    * Phototherapy as laser and light treatment is now available to treat acne. Some of these lasers and light treatments target only one factor that causes acne - P. acnes.  For many patients, this is not a comprehensive treatment for resolving their acne, so this therapy might not work for you the same way it does for other people. A dermatologist can determine if laser or light treatment is appropriate for you.