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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.
The emotional effects of acne can lead to anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and poor performance at school or work.
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 part of an effective treatment for several acne conditions, and one such antibiotic is minocycline.
Currently, SOLODYN® is the only oral minocycline approved to treat the red, pus-filled pimples 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 of the most popular and effective acne medications, such as SOLODYN® Tablets, are more often prescribed by a dermatologist 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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