Acne - Treatment Options - Conditions & Treatments - DrugDigest

Acne - Treatment Options - Conditions & Treatments - DrugDigest

Treatment Options

Acne

How is it treated?

There are several treatment options for acne. Most options reduce or prevent new lesions and take at least 8 weeks to produce results. An important goal of acne treatment is to prevent or minimize scarring. Specific treatment regimens will vary from person to person, depending on acne severity and tolerance to the medication. Generally, mild acne is treated with topical products, including topical retinoids, antimicrobials (benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or erythromycin), salicylic acid or azelaic acid. Moderate acne can be managed with topical retinoids in combination with oral antibiotics and possibly benzoyl peroxide. Severe acne that is not responsive to conventional treatments may require treatment with oral isotretinoin (Accutane).

Below is a list of commonly used medications. They are divided into topical medications and oral medications. Remember, if you have any questions about which products to use, talk with your doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist.

* Topical Acne Products
* Oral Acne Products

Drug classes used to treat Acne

Anti-Infectives, Topical

Antibiotics, Topical

Lincosamides

Macrolides

Retinoids, Oral

Retinoids, Topical

Tetracyclines

Last Updated: January 2007
This content was created by members of the DrugDigest team of experts and is solely under DrugDigest's editorial control.

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

© 2007 Express Scripts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.