Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Over-the-Counter Topical Medications For Acne

Acne Medication

By: Ron King

In the early stage of the ongoing war with acne, most people go to a pharmacy to buy an over-the-counter medication. There are so many treatments available for acne, that it can be a complicated decision. Advice from friends is not a reliable method for making a choice, because what worked for 1 person may not work for another. And advertising advice? Who trusts that?
You can make a more informed choice about which product to try just by knowing about the active ingredients in the various acne medications.

Benzoyl Peroxide

1 of the most popular ingredients in acne medications, benzoyl peroxide is available in gels and ointments. It kills the bacteria that causes pimples and helps remove dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin. These dead skin cells, when combined with sebum (oil), create blackheads and whiteheads. Dry skin is the only side effect, which can be minimized with less frequent application. It has a bleaching effect, so avoid hair and clothing when applying it.

Salicylic Acid

This is a popular acne ingredient which clears up dead skin cells that clog the pores. Continued use even after the skin has cleared up is necessary to avoid future acne outbreaks. Again, the side effect is dry, irritated skin.

Resorcinol
Resorcinol causes the top layer of skin to peel, which removes the dead skin cells that clog pores. It is often combined with sulphur.

Sulphur

Because of a strong, unpleasant odor, sulphur is usually combined with other ingredients. How it works is unknown, but it's been used effectively for decades. Sulphur is often combined with salicylate acid and benzoyl peroxide.

Products

Of all these ingredients, benzoyl peroxide is probably the most versatile. It can be made into cleansing liquids, bars, gels, lotions and cream, all of which are applied directly to the skin. Cleansing products are usually used once or twice daily, with creams and lotions applied as needed. They are most effective when rubbed on the area surrounding the acne, as well as on the pimples themselves.

It's always a good idea to discuss acne with a doctor before self-treating with any of these medications. Even though acne is a fairly harmless condition, a doctor can often offer better suggestions and

Visit http://www.relief4acne.com/ to learn more. Copyright 2005 Ron King. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Acne Medication

Monday, August 13, 2007

Getting a Prescription for Acne Medication

Acne Medication

Author: Ivar Rudi

Some people have acne so intense that it is necessary for them to seek professional help. For some people, they must see a dermatologist to help with this annoying problem. When they go to the dermatologist for help, they will sometimes recommend a prescribe acne medication to help with the problem.

There are many prescription medications that are used today to help treat acne. Most of them are applied to the skin and are used for mild to severe acne. There are however, other methods of treating acne from the inside out and those require an oral method of taking the acne medications. This is important for people that have extensive acne problems that keep getting worse instead of better.

There are some dermatologists that use therapy to help control an acne problem for some of their patients. For this to occur, the acne has to be so severe and intense that there are no other methods of treatment working or if the patient and the acne is not responding to any other form of treatment.

There are also acne medications that are taken by mouth. These are antibiotics that a patient has to take on a regular basis to help control the acne. The dosage will usually start out high and then lessen as it is becoming effective.

There are also injections that can be a form of acne medication. This is used to treat severe acne and it will help to prevent scarring. Again this method is used for the people that have acne so severe and no other method of treatment is working to their benefit.

A lot of women will use oral contraceptives to help control their acne. This form or acne medication will affect the hormones in a women's body and will lessen the chance of them having acne. This is a great idea for women who have an acne problem and want to take a contraceptive at the same time. There are some women however, that it has the reverse effect on.

There are a variety of different creams and ointments to use for acne medication as well. These are found both in the store and sold as prescriptions. The more intense creams and ointments are prescribed and do cost more. When you have a complex form of acne that is hard to treat, this is when the prescription medications have to be used.
It is all up to the person with acne if they think that they should seek professional help for their acne medication or not. They will know when they can no longer take care of the problem and need to have help.

Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.acne-medication.biz/

Source: http://www.a1articles.com/article_98924_27.html

Acne Medication

Who Should Use Acne Medication?

Acne Medication

Author: Ivar Rudi

Anyone can have acne and it is a painful and embarrassing problem for most people. There are ways to treat it so that no one has to deal with this uncomfortable appearance that makes him or her self-conscious all of the time. For some people they are just entering their teenage years and there are others who have been dealing with acne for most of their adult lives.

There are so many forms of acne medication out there to choose from. There are different skin needs and it is important to recognize all of the different types of acne and what the needs for it are. There are so many over the counter products that can help treat acne for just about anyone.

Anyone can get acne at any stage in his or her life. There are many things that can cause acne and that are why it may be necessary for someone to get different forms of acne medication for their problem. There are different ways to handle the different kinds of acne and at different stages that it occurs. With the right help, you will have a good result in the end.

As with most things, acne has a beginning, middle and end. It is a skin condition and the best time for acne medication is at the beginning stages. In the early stages of acne, the pores will enlarge and create thick oils. They will fill up with black and white matter and this will result in a black head. This is the part that will cause the acne and needs to be taking care of at once. The dead skin needs to be exfoliated and removed.

There are many different kinds of creams and gels to use as a form of acne medication that you can find in the stores. You may find that these treatments work, or you may have to take it one step further and get a dermatologist to assist you with your skin. When this is the case, you may be prescribed some form of ointment or you may have to go through a form of therapy to get your acne under control.

If you go through therapy for your acne, you will find that there are a lot of different things to try. There are chemical peels, scrubs, and even electrical programs that may help you find relief from this acne problem.
It may take some work, but with enough information and some research, you will find the right acne medication that will help you get your skin looking clear and pure and give you the self-confidence that you deserve.
Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.acne-medication.biz/

Source: http://www.a1articles.com/article_68583_17.html

Acne Medication

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Acne Medication Potential Side Effects

Acne Medication

Author: Aurel Radulescu

Patients with mild or occasional acne may be able to treat themselves without the use of prescription medication. Such remedies may include an alteration in diet and exercise habits, regular cleansing to remove residue and buildup on the skin, choosing the right cosmetics and eliminating stress. But for some individuals, this simply isn't enough. For those who suffer from moderate to severe acne, a stronger medication may be needed in order for that individual to find relief from their condition.

There are several different types of medication that are commonly used to treat acne, each of which may contain the potential for certain side effects. As is the case with most over-the-counter acne medication, prescription medicines are usually available as gels, creams, lotions or solutions. In determining which is the best choice for the patient, a physician will study the skin type, severity of acne and the patient's likelihood of having a negative reaction to any medication. Once a prescription is written, the physician will explain how often to use the medicine and how to properly apply it to the skin.

As mentioned previously, it is not uncommon for individuals to have a reaction to strong acne medication. For some it is only temporary, but others may require a change in their prescription. The most widely seen reaction is that of the skin's condition actually worsening. Many physicians agree that most medications will cause the skin to worsen before it actually improves, which may take 6-8 weeks of using a medication. However, additional side effects may include extreme redness, burning, stinging, peeling, soreness, scaling or a discoloration of the skin. If individuals notice these side effects becoming increasingly worse or if they do not go away after a specified period of use, which should be indicated by a physician, the medication may need to be changed.

Individuals who take oral medications for the treatment of acne may face an entirely different set of potential side effects, including an upset stomach, dizziness and skin discoloration. Certain types of medication can be dangerous to women who are pregnant or children under a certain age, so individuals should report any possible conditions to their physician prior to accepting a prescription.

As with any medication, there are often risks and benefits of it's use. The best way to learn of these is to speak with a physician, ask about any potential side effects and completely disclose your current medical condition and any medications that you are currently taking. In some instances, medications may negatively react with one another and this can be very dangerous to the patient. Acne medicine is no different and the patient should have a complete understanding of how it operates before using it.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of acne. If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor or dermatologist for information regarding the use of acne medication or other effective treatment methods.

Find more about acne medicine, bacne treatments or read about natural acne treatments on http://www.naturalacnemedicine.com/

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_60482_17.html

Acne Medication

Top 3 Acne Medications

Acne Medication

By: Justin Foss

Acne is a common disorder in skin that may last for long in an individual. For many people, acne isn’t a problem anymore when they reach the age of 30. But there are also individuals who continually carry the facial burden longer than expected. Treatments are important to avoid complications. When simple treatments are not enough, perhaps it is time to consider medical options for the acnes.

The top three acne medications are the following:

1. Benzoyl peroxideThis anti-bacterial medication takes care of killing the P. Acnes, acne-causing bacteria. It is an antiseptic agent that reduces the amount of barren pores. It will take approximately 3 weeks to see the changes.

This ingredient is also used for bleaching the hair and fabric so make sure to use it right. It is both over-the-counter and prescription drug that comes in gel or cream.
There is an estimated 3% of individuals found to be allergic to such substance so make sure that you don’t belong to that group or else you will experience skin inflammation if you apply it on your skin.

2. Salicylic AcidUsed to treat skin disorders such as dandruff, calluses, and warts, salicylic acid can also be used as an acne medication. It slows down the cells in the follicles from cracking which prevents blockage. It also assists in breaking down the whiteheads and blackheads.

Salicylic acid comes in many forms including cream, gel, lotion, ointment, and many more. Only use the medicine according to the directions on the label recommendations or from the doctor; otherwise, it may result to acid poisoning. Poisoning can be noticed when the person using it experiences dizziness, diarrhea, deep breathing, etc.

3. SulfurThis ingredient is common among soaps, washes, and creams. It allows the skin to peel and dry enabling the breaking down of the whiteheads and blackheads. It is necessary to check the label directions so as to avoid unnecessary complications.

It is always best to seek professional advice when taking any of the medications. It is better to be sure. These medications, however, only kills bacteria, slows down cell breakdown, and peels off the skin but it will never stop the skin from acquiring bacteria after a certain span of time.

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The Writer is the webmaster and owner of Medical Health Articles which has more than 1000 articles on all kind of health diseases and Auto Glass Repair Atlanta

Acne Medication

Monday, August 6, 2007

Acne Medication From Your Dermotologist

Acne Medication

By: Kathlene Capelle -

You may decide that your acne problem is serious and wish to consult a dermatologist. Before visiting a dermatologist for the first time, it is good to know what to expect especially in the type of acne medication that he or she is likely to prescribe.

While seeking treatment, your dermatologist may prescribe you with more than one type of acne medication. This can be normal as acne is usually assessed on a-case-by-case basis. Therefore, acne medications that work for another does not necessarily imply that it will also work for you. Depending on the seriousness of your acne problem, your dermatologist may be prescribing you with a topical acne medication and/or a systematic approach to reduce the cases of flare-ups and inflammations.

A topical acne medication treatment is one that is applied on the skin surface. It can come in different forms; for example, lotions, gels, soaps and creams. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in the majority of acne medications as it helps in slowing down the activities of the oil glands in producing skin oil called "sebum". However, continued use of this acne medication may cause the skin to dry and crack up plus a possible irritation and burning sensation may be felt.

But this can be resolved pretty easily through minimizing the level of usage of benzoyl peroxide.

It is important that this product is used over the infected area, not just directly to one or two individual pimples. Smearing and flaking are likely to carry the infection to other parts of the skin, like the back, shoulders and neck. So you have to be careful, when you apply this product.
Retin A, a derivative of Vitamin A is not a topical acne medication but it is noted to show great effects on the growth of acne. It works by drying the skin thus preventing new pimples form developing. However, it is suggested that if you should use this, you must at all times, stay away from the sun as this may only aggravate the skin condition.

Meanwhile, systematic acne medication is one that is taken internally to combat acne. It usually comes in the form of antibiotics. The type of antibiotic that you may use will depend largely on the severity of the case and your skin type. At times, you may be prescribed to use small amounts of antibiotic contents like that in Bacitracyn and many over the counter acne medications.

On the average, these acne medications may take six to eight weeks before significant developments take effect.

In certain cases, your dermatologist may prescribe you with hormonal acne medication reatment. The principle in most hormonal treatments is to control the release of hormones such as androgens and testosterone. This happens when the dermatologist decides that hormone imbalances is the cause of your acne.

Of course, it is always best to get a professional and qualified skin specialist or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. Choose one that comes highly recommended by your friends and relatives. Spend time to search for a good dermatologist.

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Kathelene Capelle writes on acne treatment, natural acne remedy, eczema, dry skin care and also on skin massage oils. Learn skin care recipes that you can easily prepare from your kitchen! Read them all at http://www.acne-and-skin-care.com/.

Acne Medication

The Different Types Of Acne Medication

Acne Medication

By: Kathlene Capelle -

To treat acne, there exists many types of acne medication and solutions. Many of the acne medication treatments may include topical or systematic acne solutions. Additionally, homeopathic treatments may also be applied to prevent the out-break of acne, an example of which is the use of mild soaps and water. Which acne medication to use first depends on what is the cause of acne.

There can be many causes of acne. Some of the causes include:

• Over-secretion of the sebaceous glands of its sebum (natural oil of the skin).

• Hormon imbalances due to internal changes in your body.

• The weakening of the immune system due to the attacks of the acne-infecting bacteria called as "Propionibacterium acnes".

• Impaired internal detoxification system.

• The reaction of the digestive system to the food items you eat.

• Stress.

• Genetic influences.

• Environmental pollutants or toxins.

• Cosmetics that contain chemicals, preservatives or harmful substances.

The severity of your acne problem determines the type of acne medication to be used. In fact, for the less serious acne cases or conditions, it is best to start with natural acne solutions. This normally comprises of natural herbs and exotic plants that are effective in removing blemishes and the prevention of bacterial formation. One example of less serious acne symptoms are those that appear on the onset of an acne outbreak.

Fruits and vegetables are perfect in lessening the effects of the above mentioned factors. They contain eeded minerals and vitamins for healthy skin. These may also have the properties of effectively cleansing and removing the oil from the skin tissues, like that of cucumbers and tomatoes. Most vegetables and fruits have a high water content. Water itself is potent in releasing body toxins from the body. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of distilled water can help prevent the onset of acne.

However, if you have a serious acne breakout, the use of acne medication treatment may be suitable. Acne medication products include topical and systematic acne solutions.

Topical acne solutions are those which you apply on the skin surface. One ingredient found in a topical acne medication product is benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is effective in reducing the quantity of bacteria on the skin. However, prolonged use can result in dryness of the skin, contract dermatitis and cause skin irritations.

Another ingredient in a topical acne medication product is Azeilic acid. Azeilic acid is known for its diminishing effect like that of benzoyl peroxide, on the bacterial presence on the skin. This acne solution is also effective in evening out the darker complexions produced by the recent flare-ups of acne. The side effects of this acne solution are impermanent discoloration on the affected area and extreme dryness.

In addition, Erythromycin in its topical form may reduce the acne inflammation. This acne solution is often combined with benzoyl peroxide to rigorously attack belligerent infection caused by the "Propionibacterium acnes".

An acne solution that does not only obstruct the growth of the acne-infecting bacteria but may also address inflammation and clogged pores is Sodium Sulfacetamide treatment. However, it is not commonly used as a treatment to acne because of its smell. Yet, it has been proven to help acne flare-ups in many cases.

Systematic acne medications are usually prescribed to more severe cases of acne infections. Generally speaking, the treatment may last up to six months. For women, the most prescribed systematic acne solution is anti-androgens. This form of treatment controls the secretion of a certain hormone and is commonly referred to as hormonal treatment.

Treating your skin with the right acne medication type is important. For instance, if your acne problem is at best mild, you don't want to be applying too strong a product on your skin. Too harsh a product can cause your skin to age faster and result in wrinkles or dry scaly skin. It is therefore, best to research properly on acne medications that will be the most appropriate for your acne problem.

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Kathelene Capelle writes on acne treatment, natural acne remedy, eczema, dry skin care and also on skin massage oils. Learn skin care recipes that you can easily prepare from your kitchen! Read them all at http://www.acne-and-skin-care.com/.

Acne Medication