Sometimes acne can be so bad that no amount of natural remedies or over the counter treatment is going to be effective enough to eliminate the problem. If your acne is so severe, it may be time to consult with a doctor or dermatologists for alternative options.
Using Prescription Creams & Drugs
During a consultation with a doctor, you will be advised of the different ways in which he or she can help you. If a prescription is necessary, it will either be for a topic retinoid, an oral retinoid or a course of hormone tablets. This will all depend on your medical condition and what will work best in your particular case.
Prescription Cream – Topical Retinoids
If the over the counter creams are not sufficient to combat the acne, then a doctor is able to prescribe a topical retinoid, the medical term for products used on the skin. These types of creams will contain an even stronger dose of the active ingredients that work to reduce and remove acne.
The most popular retinoids that are prescribed include tretinoin, adaplene and tazarotene. These products contain components that are all related to vitamin A, which all help to improve cell generation and to prevent the follicle blockage, the main cause of acne.
Some people may suffer from some side effects when using these types of creams. Skin irritation is not uncommon.
Oral Prescription – Oral Retinoids
Oral retinoids are any type of medicine that is taken via the mouth. In order to help with your acne, a doctor can prescribe a course of a vitamin A related pill. The name of the active ingredient is isotretinoin and it is used in the treatment of severe acne, as well as certain types of cancer. There are several manufacturers and brands of these types of tablets including Sotret, Accutane, Claravis and Amnesteem.
A course or oral retinoids can last from 4 to 6 months and the results include the complete eradication of acne. If this is the choice of treatment given, then close supervision is absolutely necessary in order to monitor any possible side effects.
Hormonal Tablets
A doctor may suggest that a woman take a course of hormonal tablets, which would be in the form of a contraception pill. Research has found that due to the additional introduction of a combination of estrogen and progestogen into the female body, this course of action has been able to provide a positive result in the improvement and reduction of acne and other skin related problems.
This will not work for all women, as each individual has to be assessed with regards to any possible side effects that taking this pill could potentially cause.
Suffering from acne can be a complete nightmare, especially when you can not find a product that works. If you suffer from acne and you have exhausted all the non-prescription methods then the next stage is to consult with your doctor. He or she will be able to evaluate whether you are and ideal candidate for one of the more aggressive types of treatments.