While some mild to moderate cases of acne can be treated at home, others will require a visit to the doctor who will analyse the type and severity of the acne, and prescribe suitable treatment. In many cases an antibiotic acne cream will be given, which is generally used for 2-3 months, with results seen within that time. If for any reason a cream cannot be used or if the cream doesn’t have an effect, then the treatment is given in tablet form.
The NHS have reported that 90% of people who have treatment for acne show improvements, of up to 50%. Results can vary though, and sometimes patients will be given a further course of treatment to reduce the chances of the acne recurring, which is known as maintenance therapy.
For more severe cases of acne, or those that refuse to respond to the medication given by a GP, a referral to a dermatologist is possible. Dermatologists have access to stronger medications and other treatment options for acne.
Accutane is one of the prescribed medications available to treat severe cases of acne, which is commonly taken for around six months. It’s not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or has high levels of fat in their blood, and liver problems can also rule out this treatment option. It can treat all the factors leading to acne flare-ups, including blocked pores, skin inflammation and excess oil. Other extreme cases of acne where deep cysts and inflammation form on the face, may require surgical treatment by a dermatologist called drainage and extraction.
Patients suffering from acne can also visit a hospital, cosmetic surgeons, or plastic surgeons for skin treatments specifically aimed at reducing acne scarring. Treatments carried out by qualified surgeons can involve chemical peels, dermabrasion, dermaplaning, or a combination of all three. A chemical peel is a non-surgical, relatively pain free treatment, that will remove outer layers of affected skin using a chemical solution, whereas dermabrasion and dermaplaning use surgical tools to remove the skin cells. These treatments can be applied to individual areas or the whole face, though if you have a mild form of acne, you can buy light chemical peeling products over the counter.
Choosing the best type of acne treatment is always best done on the advice of a trained practitioner, or chemist, if opting for home based treatments, so the acne or acne scars do not get any worse.
