Acne is a persistent, inflammatory skin disease that produces patches and pimples, particularly on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms.

Generally, medications tend to work in a way that treats acne and have two functions, such as decreasing excess oil and puffiness or eradicating bacterial infection. If you have acne, it may take months or even years for it to go entirely.

Depending on your age, acne kind and severity, and personal commitment, your nurse practitioner will suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

If you’ve used nonprescription acne treatments for over a month and haven’t seen any improvement, see your nurse practitioner about getting a prescription for stronger medicines. 

A wide variety of treatments are typically used to treat acne because of its many causes.

Effective ways and treatments to treat acne

People who suffer from acne are often embarrassed and fearful. Nurse practitioner can explain the various treatment choices and the likely pros and cons for their patients. For individuals with mild or severe acne, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and antibiotics are more helpful.

Let’s dive deeper and get to know more about them:

 

Retinols : Topical retinoids are applied to the skin and aid in exfoliation, which prevents dead skin cells from accumulating inside hair follicles.

  • Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, are used to treat acne. The product comes in the form of a gel or cream and is administered one time before bedtime. These can be prescribed by your nurse practitioner.
  • Most dermatologists now agree that topical retinoid should be the first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne, and should also be utilized as a preferred treatment option for acne maintenance.
  • Retinoids used topically will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Additionally, they may cause dry skin and redden in those with darker skin tones.
  • Primary irritant dermatitis, which presents as erythema, scaling, burning sensation, and varying levels of skin sensitivity, is the most common side effect of topical retinoid use.
  • Apply to all acne-affected areas of your face immediately after washing it.

 

Oral Contraceptive pills

  • While you may not see the benefits of this therapy for a few months, you may get some assistance by also utilizing other acne treatments during the first few weeks.
  • Oral contraceptives reduce acne by inhibiting testosterone levels in the circulatory system (FSH).
  • However, since patients who are taking oral antibiotic treatment may have a contraceptive failure, it would be prudent to tell them and suggest that they take a second type of birth control.

 

Antibiotics

  • Antibiotics that address the germs on the skin are used to treat blocked hair follicles that are infected. You may get them as a cream or gel, which is used daily.
  • This activity, as you would guess, works by eliminating the extra skin bacteria and decreasing redness and irritation. You may be using a retinoid and an antibiotic simultaneously in the first few months of therapy, with the antibiotic administered in the morning and the retinol in the evening.
  • The use of antibiotics on your face should be discontinued since the bacteria on your face may develop resistance to the medication.
  • There are a few adverse consequences, such as peeling of the skin, skin irritation, and burning or reddening of the skin.

 

Benzoyl Peroxide

  • Benzoyl peroxide, a strong oxidizer, is an efficient bactericidal agent owing to its wide range of action. It has been a successful topical agent for many years and is available in many formulations (washes, lotions, creams, and gels) and levels (2.5–10%).
  • The medication is capable of reducing inflammation, loosening the skin, and fighting acne. It is recommended for use in cases of moderate to severe acne vulgaris.
  • Apply it to all afflicted facial areas immediately after washing for best results.
  • To prevent damage to your skin, avoid spending too much time in the sun.
  • One major drawback of benzoyl peroxide is that it causes irritation and drying of the skin and bleaching of clothing, hair, and bed linen when its concentration is high.

 

Chemical peels

  • A chemical solution, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoic acid, is used repeatedly. This is used to treat minor acne. Even though the improvements to the skin are just temporary, regular treatments are required to keep things looking better.

Microneedling

  • Microneedling utilizes tiny needles that staple your skin, as the name implies. Your skin generates more collagen to treat tiny wounds from the needles during the skin pricking procedure. The idea is that a newly produced collagen will assist to smooth the look of your skin and help it fill fine lines, wrinkles, and bones.
  • Microneedling works best, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, for depressed – not elevated – acne scars. This has to do with the consequences of collagen induction.
  • Some studies also show that, when treatments are coupled with vitamin C or PRP, the benefits of skin needles on acne scars are even greater.
  • Contrary to other less invasive skin correction procedures, such as laser therapy, micro-needling for dark skin tones is deemed safe. It does not harm or remove the outer skin layer. In thin and fragile skin, micro-needling is also regarded as safe.

Conclusion:

  • Even though it just seems like acne, it is much more to it, as it can affect the confidence of the individual.
  • Stress may exacerbate acne, especially if it is severe. So, take some time to rest, and do some relaxation exercises to ease your tension.