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Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. According to Healthline, it affects more than 85% of the world's population. Fortunately, there are some remedies available to combat this skin problem. Before prescribing a particular remedy, a dermatologist can first try to investigate the cause of acne. Once they have an idea of what's causing it, they can then recommend a particular course of action. Here's how a dermatologist can help.

Therapies

Dermatologists have come up with several therapies for the treatment of acne. This may be helpful for some people. For instance, certain cases of acne respond well to light therapy. This may require several visits to the dermatologist's office. Apart from that, dermatologists may also use a chemical peel. This is a procedure that uses chemicals like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoic acid on the skin. They can be quite effective for mild acne. A chemical peel can also improve the appearance of the skin. However, the changes induced by this treatment are not permanent and repeated treatments are needed.

Topical Medications

There are several topical medications used by dermatologists to treat acne. These include retinoids and retinoid-like medications. Such drugs are usually effective against moderate acne. They come in the form of creams and lotions. You can also find some in the form of gels. Some examples of retinoids are tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. These creams are applied at night. They prevent the plugging of hair follicles. One thing to note about using these drugs is that you must avoid using them together with benzoyl peroxide. They increase your skin's sensitivity and can cause redness if used that way.

Oral Medications

There are several oral medications that are used by dermatologists to deal with acne, too. This includes antibiotics. In most instances, antibiotics are used to treat moderate to severe acne. They help reduce the bacteria causing the skin condition. Some of the most commonly used antibiotics include minocycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin. These are usually used for short periods as prolonged use can lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic treatments are usually combined with other drugs, including benzoyl peroxide.

These are just some of the acne treatment options used by dermatologists. Are you struggling with this problem? If so, don't fret. Acne can be quite stressful and can even affect your self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, a dermatologist can help! To get help, get in touch with our team at the Dermatology Clinic, P.A. for effective acne treatment today.