What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition characterized by:

• Whiteheads and/or blackheads (mild acne)
• Pimples together with whiteheads and/or blackheads (moderate acne)
• Deep, inflamed painful swellings under the skin together with papules and pustules (severe acne)

What are the treatments available for acne?

Treatments available for acne may be in the form of:

• Topical applications (creams, lotions, gel and wash)
• Oral (tablets, capsules)

There are different groups of medicines for the treatment of acne, depending on the severity of the conditions. They include:

• Emollients
• Benzoyl peroxides, salicylic acid
• Hormones such as oral contraceptives and androgen blockers
• Antibiotics
• Retinoids – such as Isotretinoin
• Steroids

How long is the treatment?

One would expect to see the result within 3 months. However, in severe cases, it may take up to 5 months for the medication to work.

Do these treatments have any side effects?

Yes, side effects may include:

• Itchiness, dryness, redness, peeling, flaking, irritation
• Stomach upset, diarrhea
• Nausea, dizziness, headaches
• Sun sensitivity
• Teeth staining

Retinoid cause severe side effects compared to other groups of medications since it is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication.

Are there things to avoid when has acne?

Yes, you should not:

• Pick at an acne (this causes scar, which may be permanent)
• Discontinue the medications before completion
• Directly expose yourself to the sun
• Consume alcohol

Groups of acne medications, their functions and examples

Type	Functions	Examples
Emollients	Dissolve residues (especially on the oily T-zone areas) Remove build-up of dead cells that clog pores Produce smooth and supple skin Reduce water loss	Balneum
Benzoyl peroxide, Benzoic acid, Salicylic acid	Kills bacteria, therefore suppressing bacterial growth	Akneroxid 5 / Akneroxid 10, Benzac AC, Brevoxyl, Panoxyl (benzoyl peroxide) Clearasil (Benzoic acid) Palmer’s skin success acne medication (salicylic acid)
Hormonal agents	Control the production of sebum in the oil glands	Diane 35
Antibiotics	Attack germs which can worsen acne Suppress bacterial growth Reduce redness and swelling	Aknemycin, Eryderm (Erythromycin) C-mycin, Dalacin-T, Topicil (Clindamycin)
Retinoids	Loosen plugs or stop plugs from forming in hair follicles Has direct anti-inflammatory effects	Isotrex, Oratane (Isotretinoin) Retacnyl, Retin-A, Stieva-A, Tretinon (Tretinoin)
Steroids	Decrease inflamation