An alternative treatment is a form of treatment that, because of
limited studies into its effectiveness and safety, is not approved for use or regulated by the FDA. In fact, rather than exacting scientific
tests that are used in studying conventional treatments, alternative
treatments often use anecdotal evidence to prove their effectiveness.
Such evidence, which is based on reports by patients on
how the treatment worked for them, does not usually include a control group or report any negative results. Consequently, most
alternative treatments are not widely prescribed by traditional
health care providers in the United States, who depend on the government
to verify that the advantages of conventional treatments
surpass any likely health risks.
Despite these issues, many health care professionals believe that
several alternative treatments are effective in treating acne, especially
when they are combined with conventional acne treatments
in a method known as complementary treatment. Doctors recommend
complementary treatment because it can regulate hormones,
reduce inflammation, fight infection, and reduce stress.
