Acne Treatment Options

Hi Dr. Reichel, I'm a student & trying hard on a research task I've been given to ask world's best Dermatologists about the best practices to get rid of acne in few concise sentences. Hope you'll take a few minutes to help me in completing my research.

 

Hi,

I don't know that I would be considered a world expert on acne - as my practice focuses on Skin cancer surgery and Cosmetic Surgery. However, I would say treatment for acne depends on the type of acne that an individual has, and how severe the acne is. For mild cases, topical medications such as Retin-a, Benzyl Peroxide, and Clindamyacin can be very effective. For more severe cases, oral medications are indicated. The front line for oral meds would be antibiotics such as minocycline or doxycycline. For females with acne that tends to be hormonal, a medication called spironolactone works very well. For really severe cases, and those that are scarring, then Accutane would be indicated. This is a difficult medicine to take, and does have side-effects, but is absolutely imperative to use in patients with scarring cystic acne. Non-medications such as chemical peels and intense pulse light can also be used to treat acne effectively.
Jennifer Reichel MD
Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
Seattle, WA and Renton, WA
pacificderm.wpengine.com

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