The best way to fight acne is by combining treatments, according to new guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology.
"There are a variety of effective treatments available for acne, and dermatologists have found that combining two or more treatments is the best option for the majority of patients," said Andrea Zaenglein, M.D., co-chair of the guidelines committee. "Recommended treatments include topical [skin] therapy, antibiotics, isotretinoin and oral contraceptives."
Acne Combinations
With up to 50 million Americans affected with acne, understanding treatment is significant.
When treating moderate to severe acne with antibiotics, patients should simultaneously be utilizing prescribed skin medications.
Once antibiotics are finished, patients should continue using topical therapy to manage acne. Topical treatments can be utilized concurrently, such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.
Additional Medications
Experts found girls and women can benefit in treating acne with consuming birth control pills, while combining other medications.
Oral isotretinoin is a high risk treatment patients have the option of taking when severe acne does not respond to other remedies. However, this treatment’s high risk can cause birth defects, and females taking this treatment should be cautious about preventing pregnancy during consumption.
Patients must also be aware of the link between oral Accutane and inflammatory bowel disease or depression, however the outcome of this research is not conclusive.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
