Acne is a concern for many teenagers and young adults; it not only affects appearance but also takes a toll on mental health. Today, we will discuss methods for treating acne, particularly the use of oral and topical medications, with answers provided by doctors.
Topical medications are key to treating acne, and we can choose suitable products based on different types of acne. Topical acne medications are mainly divided into five categories. Firstly, BPO (Benzoyl Peroxide) is a widely used ingredient for acne treatment that has antibacterial and exfoliating effects. Secondly, antibiotics are suitable for patients with pustules or inflamed acne, but it’s important to note that long-term use may lead to antibiotic resistance, so they should be used according to medical advice.
Additionally, topical retinoids are designed for abnormal keratin metabolism and can effectively reduce the formation of comedones with long-term use. If you find your forehead is covered in comedones, topical retinoids should be your first choice. However, these medications can cause skin dryness and sensitivity, so if this occurs, it is advisable to stop using them.
Salicylic acid is a medication that can quickly remove dead skin cells, and it is suitable for spot treatment on localized acne. Azelaic acid, although not an acid in the traditional sense, has antibacterial properties and can also improve hyperpigmentation caused by acne, reducing the recovery time of dark spots.
However, for patients with severe acne, topical medications may not yield good results, and it may be necessary to consider oral medications. Oral antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, are an effective choice for treating severe acne. It is worth noting that teenagers often face acne issues between the ages of 14 and 18. Many parents may have concerns about oral antibiotics, fearing that the medication may harm their child’s liver or kidneys. However, these antibiotics are primarily used to reduce inflammation rather than kill bacteria.
Some parents may be averse to using oral antibiotics, but when faced with a child suffering from severe acne, such medications are undoubtedly an important means of alleviating the condition. In the future, if treatment is not administered in a timely manner, severe acne may leave behind scars that are difficult to treat, affecting both appearance and self-esteem.
Regarding the safety of these medications, drugs like Doxycycline do not cause significant liver or kidney damage, even when used in older patients. A common treatment regimen for acne typically involves taking the medication twice a day, one pill at a time, for a month — this is a feasible compromise.
Finally, for teenagers and parents undergoing treatment, it is crucial not to give up due to a lack of immediate results, as this may only lead to regret over the development of acne scars. Here, we urge everyone to seek help from professional doctors who can recommend suitable oral antibiotics; after all, timely treatment is essential in the long run.