Three Common Acne Treatments Prescribed by Dermatologists and What You Can Expect
You may have been using over the counter creams and gels for to treat your acne for the last six weeks, but they have stopped working. You notice that your self esteem has really dropped since struggling with your acne and the sores and scars it leaves behind. It is time to put the over the counter gels and creams away and book an appointment with a dermatologist. Most cases of acne can be treated with over the counter treatments, however tougher cases of acne may require the help of a dermatologist. Here are three treatments commonly prescribed by dermatologists.
Topical Treatments
When you visit your dermatologist, you may be surprised to find him prescribe a cream or a gel. You may be thinking that you have tried all of the creams, but do not worry—the topical treatment that your doctor is going to prescribe is not a common over the counter cream or gel. There are many different types of creams, but most are going to contain a type of antibacterial agent, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid. Your dermatologist is going to know the best cream for your condition.
Pills
In some cases, your dermatologist is going to prescribe a pill that will be taken orally. There are a few different pills that your dermatologist may prescribe. One of the most common pills is going to be an antibacterial medication. The pill is going to help you fight the bacteria that can be a cause of acne. Another common pill that can be prescribed will be a hormone regulator. Often acne can be the result of irregular hormones. When your hormones start acting normally, it is possible that your acne will begin to clear up as well.
Laser Therapy
Some of the other common treatments can be laser or light therapy. Your dermatologist will know if this type of treatment can be beneficial for you. The laser and light treatments may be less common, but they can be super effective. It is important to remember that, even once the acne clears, you do not stop with your treatments. Follow your dermatologist's recommendations and treatment plan to the letter. You do not want to have to go through the same problems you once had, and preventative treatment is a huge part of the process.
If over the counter creams and gels aren't clearing up your acne, talk to a dermatologist in your area about alternatives.