Acne is the most common skin condition that people have issues with.
And it’s an important issue to treat. Because acne is not something that affects our appearance. It also can be a sign of a more serious health condition. So, especially for adults who have acne, it’s important to see a doctor about it.
Fortunately, acne, like many skin conditions, can be treated. There are a lot of over the counter and home remedies available.
But, for more serious acne, you’ll want to see a dermatologist. If you are wondering “what would a dermatologist prescribe for acne”, there are a few treatment options they usually will recommend.
Below we’ll cover some of the most common treatment options that dermatologists like to have patients use to treat their acne.
What Would A Dermatologist Prescribe For Acne? 7 Common Treatment Options
What your dermatologist may prescribe for acne will depend on a few things. The severity of your acne. The type of acne you have. The cause of your acne. Your history with acne. The doctor’s experience.
Here are 7 common prescription medications that dermatologists may prescribe to you to treat acne.
Retinoids
Retinoids and similar medications that contain retinoic acids or tretinoin are used for moderate acne. Most of the time, they come in lotions, creams, and gels.
They are typically applied in the evening. For first time users, they are used three times a week for your skin to get used to it.
Once your skin gets used to it, then you may start to use it daily. Do not use it along with benzoyl peroxide
Topical Antibiotics (along with acne medications)
Antibiotics kill excess skin bacteria and reduce inflammation and swelling as well as redness. Once applied to your skin, they go to work on clogged pores..
Antibiotics are often used along with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. The antibiotic is usually applied in the morning while the retinoid is often used in the evenings. Benzoyl peroxide may be used along with antibiotics to prevent the bacteria from developing antibiotic resistance.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a potent medicine that can be very effective. That is because it targets all four causes of acne.
These four causes are bacteria, clogged pores, excess oil, and inflammation. Many patients notice permanent clearing after using Isotretinoin.
Birth control pills (for women)
Believe it or not, birth control pills are an effective treatment for acne. They can be used along with antibiotics or spironolactone.
Azelaic acid and salicylic acid
Azelaic acids are produced by yeast, and they contain antibacterial properties. Using a 20 percent azelaic acid cream or gel twice a day may produce some good results for acne.
Salicylic acids help by preventing clogged hair follicles. They are available as wash-off and leave-on products.
Spironolactone (for women)
Spironolactone is a medication used for treating severe acne. This medication reduces excess oil.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics is another option that can be used in treating moderate to severe acne. It is recommended that they be used with benzoyl peroxide.
As is the case with topical antibiotics, this is to prevent the bacteria from developing antibiotic resistance.
Other Options
Dermatologists have other options for treating acne other than the prescription options above. These include light therapy, drainage extraction, and more. Alternatively, there are over-the-counter medications that can help in treating acne.
