Latest medications for Acne aside from antibiotics

1. ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Birth control pills or oral contraceptives may be prescribed by your dermatologist to control acne. Oral contraceptives contain estrogen, a female hormone, that helps counteract the male hormone, testosterone. Testosterone, basically, is among those responsible for stimulating the oil glands, which, in turn, can cause comedones. Oral contraceptives, however, have their limitations. Since they contain female hormones, they are prescribed only to women and should not be taken by men. Otherwise, some "feminizing" effects can occur (i.e. enlargement of the breasts, change in voice, etc.)

2. BENZOYL PEROXIDE

One of the most proven treatments for acne is benzoyl peroxide, a topical medication that has been in use for more than 30 years. Used as an active ingredient in creams, lotions and gels, benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial that works against acne-causing bacteria. It reduces the skin's production of oil and is also effective in removing dead cells that block the sebaceous follicles. Benzoyl peroxide has to be used continuously to control acne.

3. SALICYLIC ACID

Salicylic acid helps unclog pores and correct the abnormal shedding of skin to prevent lesions. Like benzoyl peroxide, it should be used continuously otherwise, its effects on the skin would stop.

4. GLYCOLIC ACID

Some over-the-counter creams and gels already contain 8% glycolic acid that can also help control acne. Glycolic acid works on the pores by preventing older cells from building up and clogging the pores.

5. CORTICOSTEROIDS

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents that are injected directly into inflamed acne lesions to help heal them. This should be done by a dermatologist.

6. AZELAIC ACID

Known in chemistry as dicarboxylic acid, azelaic acid is proven effective in managing acne because of its antimicrobial properties. Used as a topical solution, azelaic acid is only available by prescription. You can also get the treatment from skin clinics, as administered by a dermatologist. Because of its antimicrobial properties, azelaic acid may be helpful in cleansing the skin. Dermatologists also believe that it also works against the growth cycle of certain skin cells associated with acne development. Although it takes longer to work than retinoids, azelaic acid causes less skin sensitivity. Most dermatologists often instruct patients to use creams containing azelaic acid in conjunction with other acne products. Caution should, however, be exercised during its use. Azelaic acid can cause hypopigmentation in dark-skinned patients when used liberally.

7. SODIUM SULFACETAMIDE

This anti-acne agent contains bactericides that prevent bacterial growth. Unlike other antibacterial, it doesn't leave the skin dry and irritated. Although it's still early to pin down its effectiveness against acne, some studies show that it may reduce the inflammation commonly associated with acne.

7 Steps in making a correct diagnosis of Acne

"Some doctors give the wrong diagnosis, at least that's what some people think. What can I do so that my dermatologist can arrive at a correct assessment of my acne?"

The first step in making a correct diagnosis of acne is to help your doctor when he examines your face. This will not only make it easier for your dermatologist to make a realistic assessment, but would also make consultation faster. Here are the steps for which you can do:

1. Do away with cosmetics on the day of the examination, ideally before you go to your dermatologist. They can hide the real appearance of the lesions. Taking them off by washing prior to examination, on the other hand, can make your skin red (this may be due to scrubbing) which can make diagnosis difficult.

2. Do be honest and straightforward with your doctor. Nobody knows how acne affects you but yourself.

3. For men, shave before seeing your dermatologist. Beards and thick facial hair mask the appearance of acne. Men should not wear a beard if they're being treated for acne in the first place.

4. Do away with tanning and sun bathing for a while if you're under treatment. UV rays can change the color of your skin and thus camouflage the lesions. If you're, by nature, a die-hard tanning addict, discuss this with your doctor.

5. Clear your face from any stray strands of hair. You could try having your bangs trimmed or simply wear a hair band that can leave your forehead and hairline open for close examination.

6. Do not attempt to poke or stretch your skin, unless your doctor asks you to. Doing so can alter the appearance of lesions.

7. Be open for treatment options. Listen to the recommendations of your doctor. He knows the right procedure that can deliver the best result possible.

Melanoma risks

Jessica Marshall mentions the known risk factors for developing malignant melanoma as

sunburn during childhood and being red-haired or having a lot of moles.

There is another risk factor, which may become increasingly significant in the UK: not being

immunized against Tuberculosis with the BCG vaccine. In England, BCG was until two years ago

offered to all 14-years-old schoolchildren, but it is now provided only in high-risk areas. This could

mean that over the next 20 years we will see a rise in skin cancer rates in the UK to meet those of

the US. It might be worth reintroducing BCG for this reason alone.

Acne vulgaris for Acne antibiotics

Acne vulgaris is the term often used by dermatologists to refer to the kind of acne that affects most people. "Vulgaris" comes from the latin word for "common." Thus, "acne vulgaris" means "common acne". This term differentiates acne vulgaris from other severe forms of acne, such as acne rosacea and acne conglobata.

Antibiotics are prescription drugs that work against acne by clearing the skin of bacteria. They can also reduce redness directly. Based on her diagnosis, your doctor might prescribe either topical or oral antibiotics.

As far as efficacy and potency are concerned, topical antibiotics have its limitation. For one, it cannot always penetrate deeper into the skin to clean deep-seated P. acnes. Oral antibiotics (such as minocycline, erythromycin and tetracycline), on the other hand, can circulate around the body and eventually work on the sebaceous glands. They are often prescribed for more severe acne cases. Since oral antibiotics work systematically, they, therefore, are more capable of producing side effects, than topical antibiotics. Some women, for instance, may develop yeast infection in the vaginal area. When this happens, it is advisable that you stop taking the antibiotics and have the infection treated first.

Oral antibiotics should not be taken by pregnant and nursing women. If you're taking birth control pills, you may want to know that systemic (oral) antibiotics can interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptives. Your dermatologist may even advise you to stay out of the fun and use sunblock when taking antibiotics. The reason behind this is that some antibiotics cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun's UVA and UVB rays. This applies to both fair-skinned and dark-skinned people.

Thus, when it comes to antibiotics, it is better to discuss the side effects they can cause before taking them.