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Acne

Most people experience mild acne throughout their life, and many people regard it as a passage to adulthood. However, while many teenagers experience acne, it doesn't always go away as their hormones rebalance.

For some, acne can be more severe and continue to occur during adulthood. In these cases, regular treatments might not help with the acne flare-ups, and people might need specialist medications.

At Pharmacy Online, we have a range of acne treatments, including tablets, topical creams and gels to treat the affected area. Acne is a condition that can ruin a person's self-confidence - but once you find the right medications for your needs, you can control it.

The Types of Acne

There are many different types of acne, and while some can be more of an aesthetic challenge, others can cause a lot of pain.

Whiteheads And Blackheads: Both whiteheads and blackheads cause bumps on the skin, but whiteheads are closed, and blackheads are open. You'll notice a small black dot, which isn't dirt - but clogged hair follicles.

Papules: Papules are the most common form of acne, and the small red bumps can quickly become inflamed.

Pustules: These spots are known to contain pus, and many people decide to pop them to remove the acne.

Nodules: If you've ever had a nodule, you'll know that this type of acne can be excruciating. The pimple goes deep into your skin and is solid to touch.

Fungal Acne: It can be itchy and uncomfortable when you have fungal acne. The problem usually happens when your hair follicles become infected due to excess yeast.

Cysts: Cysts are similar to pustules because they contain pus, but they're often larger.

What Causes Acne?

Most people know that acne is a side effect of hormones, so so many teenagers develop it. During puberty, the androgen hormones kick in, which can often cause reactions in people who become sensitive to the hormone.

As teenagers continue to develop, their bodies become more used to the androgen hormones, and this is why acne usually subsides by the late teens or early twenties.

However, there are other causes of acne that people should be aware of.

Female Hormonal Cycles

Many women find that they get a few pimples when they're menstruating due to the fluctuating hormones. While it can be an inconvenience, most will accept that it happens each month and won't seek treatment for a couple of pimples.

Oily Skin

Most people have either oily skin, dry skin or a combination of the two. However, excess oil can make you more prone to acne than someone with dry skin. At the same time, dry skin can cause flaking, scaling and other symptoms - so many believe that oily skin isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The important thing to control acne is to use appropriate face cleansers and moisturisers.

Medications

Certain medications can make acne worse or cause it, including lithium, testosterone and corticosteroids. Some people will be more susceptible to these side effects than others, so it depends on numerous factors - including your genetics.

Diet

All medical professionals would recommend that people consume a healthy diet. It's no secret that excess carbohydrates, refined sugars and processed foods can impact your general health - and your skin.

Your skin needs essential vitamins and nutrients to thrive, and a poor diet means you'll be more susceptible to acne.

Stress

Stress isn't essentially a contributor to acne, but it can worsen your current acne. Remember that acne is a hormonal condition, and you can reduce the effects by keeping a clear head and relaxing.

Genetics

For some people, acne becomes a real struggle that goes past the teenage years, and genetic factors play a fundamental role in the condition. If your family members suffer from severe acne, there's a chance that you might inherit it too.

Skin Irritants

If you use oily or greasy moisturisers, they might irritate your skin as the excess oil can result in acne. You should also be aware of collars, hats and backpacks because they regularly aggravate your skin, and it can become red and itchy.

The Myths

Many people believe other factors cause acne, but it's not true. If you choose makeup without oil, it shouldn't impact your skin - as long as you follow a cleansing routine.

Chocolate or fried foods aren't necessarily dangerous to your skin - but consuming them in excess could still cause issues with your health overall.

Most importantly, developing acne isn't a sign that you're dirty. You can't remove the risks by constantly scrubbing your face, and specialists say that constant and rough washing can cause skin redness, irritation and acne in the long term!

The Complications of Acne

For some people, dealing with acne is a short term problem, and as their hormones get back to normal, the skin condition disappears. However, in a few cases, acne causes long-term complications that are difficult to deal with.

Acne Scars

If you pick at your pimples, it can cause scars in the long term. Also known as pockmarks, these scars are avoidable if you choose the best acne treatment. They can run deep into the skin and are be a long-term side effect of improper care and treatment. 

Changes to Your Skin

Some people notice that their skin is lighter or darker once their acne clears in some areas - also known as hyper-pigmentation. In most cases, the best way to deal with hyperpigmentation is through chemical peels from a licensed specialist.

Acne Treatment 

For many teenagers with acne, a simple combination of regular cleansing, moisturising and waiting for the hormones to stabilise is an effective treatment. However, when acne is severe, you'll need to find specialist treatment options.

Most people turn to OTC products such as specialist face washes and creams. However, if you have no luck with lighter treatments, you should visit a doctor to get proper support and a prescription.

Acne medications are beneficial for removing bacteria and reducing the oil your skin produces. There are many things to consider before going onto medication, so it's best to get advice from a doctor of pharmacy before making a decision.

With so many medications to choose between, it's essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Oral Treatments For Severe Acne

Oral medications are ideal for treating acne, and many people choose them because they're easy to take and don't require constant applications. There are two main oral treatments available, including antibiotics and the contraceptive pill.

Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are good for acne because they remove bacteria which halts the pustules' development. If you decide to go this route, you'll have access to a range of antibiotic tablets from the tetracycline group.

Lymecycline: This is often the first port of call for acne vulgaris because it's less potent than other treatments, and you're less likely to suffer from dermatological and gastro effects.

Minocycline: Minocycline is excellent for treating moderate acne as it can reduce bacteria. However, it is a very potent medication, and while it's effective, there is a range of side effects.

Doxycycline: Doxycycline is probably the most well-known antibiotic when it comes to acne treatment. It's used to treat difficult infections, but the strength means that there are similar side effects to minocycline.

While these three medications are the most popular, macrolide antibiotic tablets such as Erythromycin and Azithromycin can benefit younger people and pregnant adults.

Things to Consider

While antibiotics can be beneficial for short term acne treatment, most GPs won't prescribe them as a long-term solution because they increase your sensitivity to sunlight, leading to skin conditions.

Also, using antibiotics can make you more resistant to them in the future, impacting your ability to fight infections.

The Contraceptive Pill

The combined oral contraceptive pill can improve acne symptoms for some women because it regulates hormonal changes. There are many pills available, but if you're using them primarily for hormonal acne treatment, you should check with your prescribing nurse or doctor if it's suitable.

Less Common Treatments

While the contraceptive pill and oral antibiotics are the most common treatments, some people require a more bespoke approach, so there are two other options if antibiotics and the contraceptive pill don't work.

Isotretinoin

In the most severe acne cases, isotretinoin can be prescribed. The medicine is derived from Vitamin A, which can be highly effective. However, due to the potential side effects, including IBS, depression and congenital disabilities, doctors will rarely prescribe it.

Anti-Androgen Agents

If women and teenage girls don't get any acne relief from the contraceptive pill and antibiotics, anti-androgen agents are an option. They act as blockers and reduce the androgen hormones that impact oil production.

While this medication can be beneficial, it's essential to understand that painful periods and tender breasts are common side effects.

Topical Treatments

Topical acne treatments come in all forms, and many people prefer them because they don't have to worry about putting medicine into their bodies. We stock most of the popular, topical treatments so that you can get your face - and self-esteem - back.

Azelaic Acid & Salicylic Acid

Both azelaic and salicylic acid are highly effective for acne, and many people use azelaic acid because it's safe to apply while pregnant. Azelaic acid naturally occurs from yeast, and the 20% topical treatment is widely used to treat acne.

Also known as Finacea or Skinoren, many people have success with azelaic. You can also choose salicylic acid, which can reduce the risk of blocked hair follicles and is usually available in a face wash.

Topical Antibiotics

Topical antibiotics are one of the most popular acne treatment options, as they're applied directly onto the face or other areas prone to acne. These antibiotics can reduce inflammation and remove skin bacteria, which will slow down new breakouts and prevent your skin problems from returning.

Benzoyl Peroxide

In most cases, topical benzoyl peroxide is used along with topical antibiotics, so users don't become resistant to the treatment. If your skin is prone to bacteria, benzoyl peroxide will work well.

Dapsone

Primarily used for women with inflammatory acne, Dapsone can help to reduce the symptoms and get women back to a normal hormonal cycle. Dapsone is a potent medication, and it's also used for dermatitis herpetiformis and other severe skin conditions, so it can be effective for acne skin.

Will Medications Cure My Acne?

Medications can at the very least keep your acne at bay, but you can use additional treatments along with your medicine to enhance its effects and protect your skin.

Dead Skin Cells

Dead skin is natural, and everyone has it. However, it can build up on your face, which will clog the pores and decrease your medication's effect on you. To fix this issue, you should cleanse and exfoliate regularly or get a chemical peel.

Chemical peels might sound dangerous, but as long as they're performed by a qualified professional who understands skin conditions, the chemical solution can benefit your face and remove bacteria from your pores.

Specialist Extraction

You should always give your topical retinoids and antibiotic medications time to work, but it's worth visiting a specialist who can extract and drain your spots if they fail to clear up.

Please be aware that a qualified professional should do this procedure because it can lead to acne scarring.

Steroid Injections

Nodules can be very painful, and when other treatments don't work, you might be offered a steroid injection. As there are potential side effects, including discolouration and your skin thinning, it's best as a last resort.

Protecting Your Skin

Most importantly, protecting and taking care of your skin makes a significant difference to your acne. By regularly cleansing your skin and treating it with respect, you can reduce the risks of irritation.

Treating acne often requires a multi-pronged approach, but if you take care of acne-prone skin and make sure you don't irritate it, these medications will make a difference.

Speak To Us About Your Acne Treatment Options

If you have uncontrolled acne, get in contact with a member of our team for advice on which acne treatment option is best for you. Once you decide, we'll be able to offer you a prescription for topical or oral medication - subject to your consultation.

Our convenient service gives you access to effective medicines without compromising your safety. We look forward to helping you.

Causes

The most common cause of acne is hormonal imbalances throughout puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation. Other causes of acne include:

  • Excessive oil on the face
  • Bacteria
  • Skin irritants
  • Genetics

Treatments

There are many over the counter treatments that can be used to help control the breakouts of acne, including face washes and creams. For most people, these can help to reduce acne flare-ups when they occur. Some people don’t respond to these treatments and require different medications to help control their acne.

If you have uncontrolled acne, get in contact with a member of our team for advice on which acne treatment option is best for you.

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