Acne develops when there three key ingredients are present. When oil called sebum produced by the sebaceous glands mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria in hair follicles, a breakout is likely to occur. Medical treatment thus targets reducing the incidence of any or a combination of those actions related to acne as described above. These treatments will typically include the reduction of oil production, the cleaning of hair follicles, initiate skin cell production, kill acne causing bacteria in the skin, or a combination of these key result areas.
Oral medication is an application used commonly to treat acne using different types of medication that would do some or all of the actions listed above required to reduce acne. It is especially used to treat very bad acne on which topical creams are not as effective. However, oral medication can also be taken in combination with topical medication or other types of treatments such as laser or surgical procedures.
There are generally two types of medications taken orally for treatment of acne. For milder cases, birth control pills can be prescribed if acne breakout is found to be caused by hormonal imbalances. For mild to moderate cases of acne, doctors can prescribe oral antibiotics to treat acne.
Oral contraceptives or birth control pills are used when androgen hormone levels are high. These hormones are responsible for stimulating higher oil production by sebaceous glands in the skin resulting in breakout. Some birth control pills can even out androgen levels thus reducing overactive sebaceous glands. Oral contraceptives are known to have some side effects when used for treatment of acne breakout. These include headaches, breast tenderness and nausea. In more extreme cases, they can cause depression, blood clotting and high blood pressure. The use of birth control pills must be discussed with your physician prior to use.
Oral antibiotics are prescribed for moderate to more extensive cases of acne. It may also be prescribed for body acne. Acne medication is one of the most effective bacne treatments. Antibiotics work by destroying bacteria and it also helps reduce skin inflammation. This form of acne treatment has been in use for many years. Resistance to some types of antibiotics can occur with people who have suffered from acne. As a result, dosages are adjusted as soon as signs of recovery become apparent or if the antibiotics used does not appear to be effective. The use of antibiotics can last a few months depending on the effectiveness of the drug. There are some side effects that may occur during treatment including dizziness, stomachaches, and skin discoloration.
Before taking any oral medication, consult your doctor to get the right medication including the right combination of medicine to treat your acne.
