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When you include Oral Acne Medication in your acne treatment plan, you've seriously increased your chances of winning your acne war
I'm sure you are wondering, "with so many oral acne medications out there, where do I begin?" I know it can be confusing and maybe a bit frustrating, but I will make this important information clear to you. First, you will need to make an appointment with your dermatologist to go over your health history and your experience with acne. Then, together you will decide a treatment plan that works for you. Your dermatologist will examine your skin's condition, severity of acne, types of acne and then recommend an action plan.
Your dermatologist will have an array of oral acne medication at his disposal. ORAL ACNE ANTIBIOTICS FOR ACNE
Oral Antibiotics are usually called in for moderate to severe types of acne. You may start out with oral acne medication, Tetracycline. Tetracycline is the most common and popular oral antibiotic prescribed today. Tetracycline is known for working well on inflammatory types of acne such as papules and pustules Some common side effects of this medication is discoloration of your teeth and sometimes an upset stomach. The next oral antibiotic is Cotrimoxazole. This medication usually works just as well as Tetracycline, but is usually used as a last resort, when all other oral acne antibiotics have failed.
Doxcycline is usually used when a patient does not react to Tetracycline treatment. Doxcycline too, has a known track record in its effectiveness in treating inflammatory acne such as papules and pustules . The same goes for Minocycline, but the down side to this medication...it sometimes causes discoloration to ones skin. Moving on...we have Erythromycin. This oral acne medication sometimes carries less side effects than our popular Tetracycline, but works in a similar way. Last we have Clindamycin. Due to it uncomfortable side effect of causing diarrhea, it is not a popular choice when it comes to the treatment of acne. As with all medications, especially antibiotics, it is very important to take your medication exactly as prescribed, to experience the full effectiveness. When taken as prescribed you stand a better chance of controlling your acne. Also, with all antibiotics if you do not take your medication as prescribed, you run the risk of your acne becoming resistant to the medication.
If you are a woman suffering with mild to moderate types of acne such as
whiteheads,
blackheads,
papules
and
pustules,
then oral contraceptives may be a good and effective way to get control of your acne breakouts.
You may be wondering how a pill meant for birth control can could help with acne. Well, it's simple, these oral contraceptives work by reducing the levels of a hormone called "androgen". Androgen is responsible for sebum (oil) production. By reducing androgen levels, you reduce the level of sebum (oil) production, and remember excess sebum (oil) is a cause of acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) Accutane is oral acne medication for the treatment of moderate to severe types of acne, including severe cystic acne. Please know that Accutane is very powerful and is always used as a last resort when ALL other acne treatment has failed. Because this medication comes with a long list of side effects and sometimes serious. Your dermatologist will need to prescribe this medication for you and monitor your very closely throughout your treatment. Your dermatologist will test your liver's function before, during and after treatment. If you are a woman, you will be tested for pregnancy and it will be mandatory for you to be on two forms of birth control during your treatment of Accutane. This is due to the fact that taking Accutane during pregnancy can cause serious birth deformities and even death to your baby. Usually Accutane is taken for a 4-5 month period. Soon to come, I will share my experience with Accutane, the good and not so good.
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Oral Contraceptives For Acne
