There are several creams and lotions you may be prescribed, including those listed below. Retinoids (eg Adapalene) are medicines based on vitamin A, which you can rub into your skin daily. They work by encouraging the outer layer of skin to flake off.

Antibiotics don't prevent pores from becoming blocked so treatment to prevent blackheads, such as benzoyl peroxide, is often also prescribed at the same time.

An antibiotic lotion, such as clindamycin (eg Dalacin T) or erythromycin (eg Stiemycin), applied to your skin can be used to control the P. acnes bacteria. You will need to continue this treatment for at least six months.

Creams and lotions are only effective where and when they are applied so you should apply these daily to all areas of your skin that are prone to acne.

Tablets

Several oral treatments can be prescribed.

Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can be prescribed for inflammatory acne. You should take these daily for around three months, although it might take four to six months for you to see the benefits.

The success of this treatment can be limited because the strains of bacteria are often resistant to the common antibiotics.

Antibiotics don't prevent pores from becoming blocked so treatment to prevent blackheads, such as benzoyl peroxide, is often also prescribed at the same time.

Some types of oral contraceptive tablets help women who have acne.

A combination of the usual contraceptive pill hormone called ethinylestradiol with cyproterone acetate (eg Dianette) suppresses male hormone activity.

This drug has been shown to reduce sebum production so is often used in women with acne.

isotretinoin (eg Roaccutane) is a medicine known as an oral retinoid, which is also available as a cream (see Creams and lotions). isotretinoin works by drying up oily secretions.

There are a number of serious side-effects of this drug, such as liver disorders and depression.

You shouldn't take isotretinoin if you are pregnant, as it is very dangerous to an unborn baby.

Living with acne

For safety reasons, isotretinoin is only prescribed under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Acne not only causes physical symptoms but may make you feel anxious or depressed as well. You should start treatment as early as possible to reduce the risk of scarring and follow your doctor's advice about treatment.

With good management and appropriate treatment, most people are able to control their acne.

Links:
Introduction to acne
Acne - article 2
What does it cost?
Progestogen
Sebaceous glands
Sebum
Testosterone
Propionibacterium acne
Skin peels
Microdermabrasion
Benzoyl peroxide
Retinoids
Adapalene
Clindamycin, Dalacin T, erythromycin, Stiemycin
Tetracycline
Ethinylestradiol
Cyproterone acetate
Dianette
Isotretinoin
Roaccutane