Medications, Advance Treatment and Home Remedies

Any acne sufferer knows that the hardest part of having acne is dealing with it.

Despite the shelves upon shelves in pharmacies that are overflowing with every imaginable kind of acne medication, the numerous doctors and dermatologists in practice and all the home remedies available to acne sufferers, the fact remains that very many people who have acne struggle to deal with it.

The major problem with acne is that there is no cure for it; there is only control of it. The good news is that every case of acne can be treated.

The solution lies in finding the right treatment. But before we delve into the world of medications and treatments, here are some things that acne sufferers should always bear in mind:

Resolution takes time. Acne is typically known as a self-limiting condition meaning that even without treatment it will eventually go away on its own. However, since most acne sufferers will not want to wait on time (and rightly so) it is important to understand the treatments and mediations that you do buy. Treatments that promise “fast,” miraculous” or “overnight” results often capture the attention of acne sufferers hoping for quick resolution. However, the fact remains that acne does not clear overnight. On average, 6 to 8 weeks are needed to see initial results. Once acne significantly improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from re-appearing. If acne does not improve in 6 to 8 weeks, treatment may need to be adjusted as not every acne treatment clears every case of acne. 



What works for one person may not work for another. What is an appropriate treatment for one person may not clear another’s acne because many factors affect resolution, including the cause(s) of the acne, a person’s skin type and the kind of acne lesions present. Controlling acne can be a huge challenge because everyone is different, and therefore reacts differently to various medications and treatments. Again, what may control Jean’s acne will not necessarily control Joe’s acne. This is why dermatologists and skin specialists are very sought after.

A dermatologist’s help may be required. With so many factors affecting clearance and a multitude of treatment options available (some only by prescription), a dermatologist’s help can make a difference. Before prescribing treatment, dermatologists consider several factors, including the severity of the acne, types of lesions present, co-existing conditions, as well as the patient’s age, skin type, lifestyle and motivation. The knowledge gained from considering these factors allows dermatologists to create effective individualized therapy that will resolve the patient’s acne over time and prevent new lesions from forming.

Some people may be allergic to certain ingredients found in some acne medications, other people may find that certain acne treatments make them breakout more and yet others may find that some of the strongest acne medications do absolutely nothing for them. This is because although acne is caused by only one set of factors, every human body has its own set of intricacies and characteristics that affect the way medication and treatment work.

The skin is an organ like any other, and dealing with skin problems medically is like dealing with any other problem medically; some medications work for some people and does not work for others. Again, professional help is the wisest way to go, because chances are that while there is no direct correlation between diet and acne, some people can react to certain foods by breaking out.