Acne,most of us presume is a skin disorder which mainly affects teenagers.
However, it may also affect grown ups.
While there is plenty of options in acne treatment available, there are some very effective topical therapy that have become popular.
Acne topical treatment creams and gels can be broadly divided in the following categories: - Benzoyl Peroxide - Topical retinoid - Topical antibiotics - Topical Clindamyci - Sulfonamides - Azelaic Acid (Azelex 20%) Benzoyl peroxide: One of the most common ingredients found in acne creams, etc, it kills the P.
acne bacteria as it creates an aerobic environment.
Inflammation accompanying acne is significantly reduced.
Doctors usually start with low doses and the dose is gradually increased once the skin is used to the composition.
You could get many brands containing this ingredient in creams, gels and lotions which should be applied for 2 or 3 times a day.
Topical retinoid: This ingredient is excellent as it not only controls existing acne, but also prevents its spread and new acne formation.
Preparations containing this ingredient should ideally be applied in the night to counter any phototoxicity problems.
Though there are rare instances of side effects, it can be brought under control with minimum use of the product containing this item.
Topical antibiotics: Like all antibiotics are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, some antibiotics are particularly efective against acne.
These include, Clindamycin, Erythromycin and Salicylic acid.
Recommended for application once or twice a day, creams and gels containing this type of antibiotics work effectively to reduce acne-induced inflammation.
They are also effective in destroying P acne bacteria present both in the skin and hair follicles.
Topical Clindamyci: This ingredient is found in gels, lotions, and ointments.
At times Zinc acetate is also added to the product.
This helps in destroying growth of P.
acnes bacteria.
Sulfonamides: Doctors usually recommend this as an adjunct therapy along with retinoid and oral antibiotic therapy.
Azelaic Acid (Azelex 20%): This is essentially carboxylic acid in the natural form.
This is also effective in destroying acne-causing bacteria and works efficiently in treating mild acne.
You could also continue with this therapy,after you have discontinued oral therapy and works well as maintenance therapy.
While this is a short list of chemicals used in the topical treatment for acne,it is recommended that these should always be used under medical supervision.
Remember, all the different types of acne can be cured,but you must know what type of treatment is best suited for which condition and how you are going to use the treatment.
Hence, advice from a qualified dermatologist is required before you undertake this type of topical treatment for curing acne.
The other big benefit of using topical applications for treating acne is that since it works on site, you can expect quicker results from the therapy.
However, every application has a particular field of use, depending on the severity of the condition.
Early diagnosis and treatment should be encouraged so that the condition does not go out of hand.