Because there are many differences in the severity and types of acne
lesions, there are a wide variety of acne treatment options. These
include over-the-counter medication people can purchase without
a doctor’s prescription as well as more powerful, doctor-prescribed
medications. Acne medication may be taken orally or applied directly
onto the skin in the form of a topical treatment. Often, oral
and topical treatments are combined. Once acne outbreaks are eliminated,
a special type of surgery known as skin dermabrasion can
lessen acne scars.
No matter what form of treatment is used, all acne treatments
share a common goal: to control the sequence of events that cause
acne outbreaks in order to prevent new outbreaks from occurring.
Experts agree that since there are so many different acne treatment
options available, most cases of acne outbreaks can be controlled.
Edmonton, Canada, dermatologist Don Groot explains: “We’ve got
acne by the tail now. If we catch it early, you can do wonders with
acne. It’s not a difficult disease to treat anymore.”
Topical Treatments
Some of the most popular and effective treatment options available
for acne are topical treatments. Most commonly used to treat
cases of mild to moderate acne, topical treatments come in cream,
lotion, or gel form and on specially prepared pads. Those used to
treat the mildest cases of acne can be purchased without a doctor’s
prescription.
