Acne - What treatment is available?

If you have acne, but have had no success with over-the-counter products, then it may be time for you to visit your doctor. However it is unrealistic to expect overnight cures. Or you could ask us for advice on the variety of treatments now at your disposal.

Acne treatments fall into the following categories:

• Those that are applied directly to the skin (topical treatments)
• Oral antibiotics (tablets taken by mouth)
• Oral contraceptive pills
• Other treatments

Topical treatments

These are applied directly to the skin and include a variety of active anti-acne ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, nicotinamide, antibiotics, azelaic acid, and retinoids. Topical treatments are usually the first choice for people with mild to moderate acne. They should be applied to the whole of the affected area and not just to the spots themselves. Talk to our consultants for advice on the best treatment for your grade of acne.

Oral antibiotic treatment

Your doctor may recommend a course of antibiotic tablets, which will be taken in combination with suitable topical treatment. Oral antibiotics help the inflamed spots of acne but have no effect on uninflamed ones such as blackheads. Antibiotics need to be taken for at least two months, and are usually continued until there is no further improvement. Some should not be taken at the same time as food, so read the instructions carefully.

Oral contraceptive treatments

Some types of oral contraceptive tablets help women who have acne. The most effective contain a hormone blocker (for example cyproterone), which reduces the amount of oil the skin produces. These may take up to four months before they start to work.

Other treatments

Recent advances in acne treatment include light and laser therapy and chemical peels. Our consultants can advise on whether these treatments are suitable for you before proceeding to treatment.

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