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At some point in life, almost everyone is affected by acne. It can happen at
any time, but most often occurs in the teen years. Although it is not a
life-threatening condition, acne can cause physical discomfort and damage.
Acne can also leave unsightly scars that are not easily corrected.
Fortunately, there are many effective treatments to clear and prevent acne.
Depending on the nature and severity of your acne condition, your
dermatologist can prescribe the best treatment. Below is a chart identifying
common acne conditions and treatments.
Below are examples of some typical acne conditions, along with the most
commonly prescribed treatments.
As shown on the above chart, an oral antibiotic can be an effective
treatment for certain acne conditions, and one such antibiotic is
minocycline. SOLODYN® is an oral antibiotic approved to treat
only the red, pus-filled pimples and red bumps of moderate to severe acne in
patients 12 years of age and older. Ask your dermatologist if SOLODYN®
is right for you.
Whiteheads and Blackheads (comedones):
An early acne blemish caused by blocked pores. At first the skin does not
look red and inflamed. These early blemishes are called closed comedones
(whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads).
Red, Inflamed and Pus-filled Pimples
(papules and pustules):
As blemishes get larger and inflamed, they become pimples. They can appear
as smaller red, inflamed bumps or larger red, pus-filled bumps, and they can
be tender to the touch.
Hardened Lumps (nodules and cysts):
More severe cases of acne can include lumps deep under the skin. Large,
painful, solid lesions are called nodules. Deep, painful, pus-filled lesions
that can cause scarring are called cysts.
As a specialist in acne, a dermatologist has a greater understanding of all
the available treatment options, and is uniquely qualified to create the
most effective, individualized treatment for your condition. Before
prescribing treatment, a dermatologist will consider all the factors;
including the type and severity of your acne, co-existing conditions, as
well as your age, skin type, lifestyle and motivation. Many popular and
effective acne medications, such as SOLODYN® Tablets, are often
prescribed by a dermatologist, rather than a general practitioner.
Is SOLODYN® right for you? Ask your dermatologist.
To find a dermatologist in your area, click here.
Topical Retinoid:
A derivative of vitamin A, topical retinoids work to unclog pores to treat
existing whiteheads and blackheads and keep new ones from forming.
Salicylic Acid:
Treats acne by causing skin cells to slough off more readily, to open and
unclog pores.
Topical Antibiotic:
Kills acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes)
on the skin, and reduces inflammation.
Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO):
Kills acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes)
on the skin, and works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and
clearing pores.
Oral Antibiotic:
Kills acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes)
from the inside out, and reduces inflammation.
Oral Isotretinoin:
A potent oral retinoid, isotretinoin is reserved for treatment of very
severe cysts that have proven resistant to other medications.
Hormonal Therapy:
Reduces the effect of hormones (called androgens) on oil glands that causes
excessive oil secretion and the blockage of pores.
More About Acne
See
Important Safety Information.
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