The best way to go about choosing a severe acne treatment is to discuss your condition with a trained professional. There are over the counter acne systems and cleansers, but these are often ineffective in the treatment of severe acne. You may wish to try these first, although it is still a good idea to do so under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Severe acne can be categorized as frequent, large, and infected pimples and other facial eruptions which do not respond to initial treatment. It may also cover a large area of the face or body. Acne is common among teenagers and young adults, but it can also occur in older adults. Acne is usually characterized as red bumps with pus or clear fluid inside. This can be caused by accumulated oils in the pores as well as bacteria.
In most cases it is safe to try over the counter treatments for consulting with a doctor, but if you are using any other skin creams or medications, it would be best to discuss them with your pharmacist. Choose creams, washes, and toners that feature salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. These are the drugs most commonly prescribed by doctors, although over the counter remedies often contain lower portions. There are also natural treatments you can try, such as tea tree oil.
If these options don't remedy the problem, you may need to seek the advice of a dermatologist to find the best severe acne treatment. You may be given a prescription with stronger medications, either in topical or oral form. These treatments are often effective, although side effects may occur in some individuals. These can include redness of the skin, peeling, or flushing.
Sometimes symptoms may not respond well to severe acne treatment. In these cases, the condition you are dealing with may not be acne. There are other skin ailments which mimic acne in appearance and behavior, which do not respond as well to typical medications, including skin infections, rosacea, and certain types of eczema.
Before attempting to give you severe acne treatment options, your doctor will probably go over your medical history and run tests on your skin. The exact procedures you undergo may depend on age. If you are over 25, your symptoms may be less likely to be true acne than if you are in your teens or early twenties, but it is still possible. Treatments will depend on the exact condition you have.
