Treatment for spots

The options available that zap acne!

Article by : SpunOut.ie

If you have acne there are several treatments you can use. You need to have patience as most treatments can take a few months before you see results.

Washing:

Not washing isn’t going to cause acne but it’s also not going to help your skin clear up.
Wash regularly with soap (or face wash) and water to keep the skin free from excess grease.
Be careful not to wash too much, as you need some oil on your skin to stop it becoming dry and sensitive. Washing once in the morning and once at night is enough.
If you have combination skin (patches that are oily and patches that are greasy) use moisturiser, it won’t make your spots worse.

Over-the-counter Treatments

Don’t believe any of the promises about overnight miracle creams that clear up your skin instantly. Every treatment takes time to start working.
There are lots of different creams, washes or gels that you can buy in chemists and supermarkets. Most work by killing bacteria and drying the skin surface.
A lot of these treatments contain an ingredient called benzoyl peroxide in different strengths.
You should be able to see the strength (2.5%, 5%, 10%) on the label. Start with a low strength treatment so that you don’t irritate your skin.
If you’ve been trying an over-the-counter treatment for two months and there’s no improvement, then it’s time to see your doctor.

Doctor’s advice

Visit your doctor and explain that your spots are worrying you. Your doctor should discuss the problem with you and then decide what treatment is best to try.
Make sure to tell the doctor if you’ve already tried other treatments.
The doctor might prescribe antibiotics, a contraceptive pill (girls only) or stronger drugs. You’ll find more information on these below.
If your doctor won't prescribe medication for acne, ask to see a different doctor.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics work (by reducing bacteria on your skin) for about 70% of people who try them for acne.
However you have to be patient and you might be waiting at least three months before you see results. Usually the treatment is six months.
If your acne is mild, you might be given an antibiotic lotion or cream instead of pills.
Make sure to carefully follow the instructions for use.
You should visit your doctor about a month or two after starting an antibiotic treatment to talk about your skins response to the medication. The doctor might decide that you need a higher dose or a different antibiotic.
You need to continue the six months or more course of antibiotics even if yourskin clears up. Otherwise, acne can return after you stop taking antibiotics.

Vitamin A Treatments

If your acne is very serious and other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor might send you to a specialist who can prescribe a vitamin A drug (Roaccutane).
Vitamin A drugs are very powerful and work by helping to regenerate skin cells and lessening the amount of oil produced in your skin.
Treatments last from four to six months and you need to carefully follow the instructions for use.
There can be side effects such as dry skin, chapped lips, muscle aches or nose bleeds from vitamin A treatments.
There have been worries that Vitamin A treatments can cause depression.
The high dose of vitamin A in Roaccutane means you can’t become pregnant during the treatment, or for six months afterwards as the unborn baby would be harmed. Women should use contraception during this time.

See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.

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