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What Is the Best Treatment for Acne?

The best treatment for acne includes topical medications used on the skin such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, antibiotics (clindamycin), and combinations of benzoyl peroxide plus a retinoid or a topical antibiotic.
The best treatment for acne includes topical medications used on the skin such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, antibiotics (clindamycin), and combinations of benzoyl peroxide plus a retinoid or a topical antibiotic.

Acne (short for acne vulgaris) is a common skin condition characterized by chronic or recurrent development of pimples, papules, pustules, or nodules on the skin.

While acne may be a common problem for teenagers and young adults, it can occur in anyone at any age. 

How to Get Rid of Acne

The best treatment for acne includes: 

  • Topical (on the skin) medications 
    • Different strengths and preparations are available, both over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription
      • Benzoyl peroxide
      • Retinoids
      • Azelaic acid 
      • Salicylic acid
      • Antibiotics such as clindamycin
      • Combinations of benzoyl peroxide plus a retinoid or a topical antibiotic 
  • Birth control pill or patch approved to treat acne may be used in females

Home treatments for acne include: 

  • Wash twice daily and after sweating; rinse with lukewarm water
  • Use gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and apply gently with fingertips
    • Don’t scrub skin
    • Avoid using washcloths and sponges, which can irritate the skin
  • Use gentle products 
    • Look for those that are alcohol-free 
    • Products that can irritate skin can aggravate acne
  • Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze pimples
    • Picking at acne can make it take longer to go away and can increase the risk of scarring
    • Let the skin heal naturally
  • Avoid touching your face because bacteria on the fingers and under the fingernails can enter pores and cause acne
  • Avoid the sun and tanning beds
    • Ultraviolet (UV) light damages the skin
    • Some acne medications make the skin sensitive to UV light
  • Shampoo oily hair daily

Medical treatments for acne include: 

  • Laser or light therapy
    • May help clear acne
    • Works best combined with other acne treatments
  • Corticosteroid injections
    • Indicated for large, painful, deep acne breakouts
    • Relieves pain and inflammation quickly
    • Usually only used to treat a few severe acne breakouts due to possible side effects such as scarring

What Are the Types of Acne and What Do They Look Like?

Acne often appears on the face, chest, upper back, and shoulders.

Types of acne and their symptoms include:

  • Papules: small, tender, red bumps
  • Pustules: papules with pus at the tip
  • Blackheads: open plugged pores)
  • Whiteheads: closed plugged pores
  • Nodules: large, solid, painful lumps under the skin
  • Cystic lesions: pus-filled and painful lumps under the skin

How Do You Get Acne?

Pimples are caused by clogged pores, which can happen due to: 

  • Hormones 
    • Common during puberty and adolescence, when hormones increase
  • Inflammation 
    • Inflammation causes redness and soreness in acne
  • Genetics
    • Acne often runs in families
  • Stress 
    • Stress can affect hormones
    • This occurs more often in females than males

When Should I See a Dermatologist for Acne?

Acne is diagnosed by a dermatologist with a skin examination. If you are having a difficult time getting rid of acne at home with over-the-counter products, and it is causing you distress, it is a good idea to visit a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

There are other skin conditions that can resemble acne, but are not, and require different treatment. This is why it is important to get a diagnosis from a dermatologist to rule out other conditions that resemble acne.

8 Skin Problems That Look Like Acne

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References
Image Source: iStock Images

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/DIY/wont-clear

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-acne-vulgaris?search=acne&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pathogenesis-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-acne-vulgaris?search=acne&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2