What is it?

In the world, three out of four teenagers have had some kind of acne. This prevalence is due to the hormonal changes suffered during adolescence that stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, increasing the chances of suffering acne.

Even though it is more common to develop acne in the late teens and early twenties, there are cases where it occurs in adulthood, and it’s usually caused by the menstrual period, use of certain types of birth control, oil-based products, genetics and emotional stress.

 

How do we treat it?

Medication can be topical (applied directly to the skin) or systemic (by mouth, pills), and in many cases patients are given both treatments. Acne can also be treated using laser-based and light based technology. 

 

Topical Treatment

It’s the choice par excellence for treating mild acne. Some common topical medications that dermatologists recommend include benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, retinoids, and salicylic acid.

Topical medications vary in presentation, either being gel, lotions or creams. Your dermatologist will determine the most appropriate treatment for your skin.

 

Systemic Treatment

Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed in the treatment of moderate to severe acne, especially in cases where topical treatment had no effect and also if the patient suffers from acne in large areas of the body. Some of the oral antibiotics include tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, azithromycin, minocycline and clindamycin. Other systemic medications that the doctor might prescribe are isotretinoin and hormones, depending on the case

 

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