Topical Acne Treatment

Acne we all know is a problem of adolescence. Once teen years get passed, the problem disappears in most of the cases. However, in very rarest of rare cases it is known to affect even older generations. There are many over the counter creams and gels which are available in the market which can be used for treating of this simple skin problem. The topical treatments can be summarized under following heads:

•    Benzoyl Peroxide
•    Topical retinoid
•    Topical antibiotics
•    Topical Clindamyci
•    Sulfonamides
•    Azelaic Acid (Azelex 20%)

Benzoyl peroxide

This is the most common acne treatment practiced. The compound helps in killing P.acne bacteria by providing an aerobic atmosphere. It also helps in reducing the inflammation. Whenever it is being tried, dosages always are started in lower concentration so that skin gets time to acclimatize. Later on the concentration is increased. It is available in variety of forms like gels, creams, lotions etc. useful in both inflammatory and non inflammatory acnes. These creams, lotions, gels can be used minimum twice or thrice in a day for increasing effectiveness.

Topical retinoid

This is known to be very effective medication for treating acne. The treatment not only helps in reducing the inflammation but it also restricts formation of new comedones. Topical retinoid are generally applied at the night to tackle phototoxity problem which is sometimes associated with this kind of treatment. Tretinoin and Retin -A, are the common drugs under this category. Side effects are rare but they can be avoided by applying only the minimum quantity

Topical antibiotics

Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Salicylic acid are the most common topical antibiotics. They are known to have anti inflammatory properties. They work by reducing the population of P.acnes bateria in skin and hair follicles. These are applied only once or twice, a day.

Topical Clindamyci

They are available in gels, lotions and ointments. They work by reducing the P.acnes count. It also comes in liquid form which primarily has Zinc acetate in it.

Sulfonamides

Available in lotions with some 5% Sulphur content. This can be used safely in combination with retinoids, oral antibiotics.

Azelaic Acid (Azelex 20%)

Naturally occurring carboxyclic acid. It has been found to decrease P acnes count. It also works quite well in mild acnes. This can be continued after oral antibiotic therapy has been discontinued.

All these topical treatments are available, the important things is to find out which one to use when.This decision should be left to the experts in this field. Dermatologists should be given this responsibility.

All types of acne are curable, but the treatment may vary based on the severity of problem. It is always better to address the issue in initial stages. If handled well in initial stages the acne is unlikely to escalate in to bigger problems.

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Topical Acne Treatment