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Problem skin

No matter whether you are aged 13 or 30, this is often the time of year for acne troubles.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

Tis the season for bad skin. Why do you think so many people are wrapped up in scarves and hats with just a few centimetres of face on show? Yes, you go it- evil spots have taken control of their skin.

Thankfully, if you have acne there are several treatments you can use to help clear your skin. However, don’t pack away that scarf just yet- you need to have patience as most treatments can take a few months before you see results.

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. 
  • Be careful not to wash too much, as you do 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’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 isn’t prescribing 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 do have to be patient and you might be waiting at least three months before you see results. Usually the treatment takes 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 skin's 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 your skin 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 also been worries that Vitamin A treatments cause depression.
  • The high dose of vitamin A 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.
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