Acne Care Tips

It is important to know that there is no real cure for acne. Untreated, may last many years, although acne usually clears up with age. The following treatments, however, generally can keep acne under control.

1. Lotion or gel for topical use of benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide helps to eliminate skin bacteria, unplug the oil ducts and heal acne pimples. It is the most effective treatment for acne is available without prescription. Many brands are available at different levels of resistance (2.5 percent, 5 percent or 10 percent). Read labels or ask your doctor or pharmacist about this.

* Start slow to 2.5 percent or 5 percent lotion or gel once a day. After a week, increase the use twice daily (morning and evening), if the skin is not too red or peeling.

* Apply a thin layer of the entire area where pimples may occur. Not only to stem the current errors. Avoid the delicate skin around the eyes, mouth and nose in a corner.

* If your acne does not improve after four to six weeks, switch to a lotion or gel of 10 percent. Start with one application a day and increasing to twice daily if your skin tolerates.

2. If you can not see the results, you should contact your pediatrician

Your doctor may prescribe stronger treatments, if necessary, and learn to use them correctly. Three types of drugs can be recommended:

* Tretinoin (Retin-A) cream or gel to help remove the oil, but the channels must be used exactly as directed. Be aware that exposure to sunlight (or tanning parlors) can cause increased redness in some people who use drugs.

* Topical antibiotic solutions may be used in addition to other drugs for acne called pustular acne.

* Oral antibiotic pills may be used in addition to creams, lotions or gels if your acne does not respond to topical treatment alone.

3. What about "miracle drug" Accutane?

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a chemical very strong form of tablets. It is used only for severe cystic acne that has not responded to any treatment. Accutane should never be taken just before or during pregnancy. There is a risk of serious or even fatal deformities to the fetus whose mother took Accutane during pregnancy or who become pregnant shortly after taking Accutane. You should never have unprotected sex while taking Accutane. Patients taking Accutane must be monitored closely by a doctor who understands its use as a pediatric dermatologist or other expert on treating acne. Your pediatrician may require a negative pregnancy test and a signed consent form before prescribing Accutane to women.

If you have problems with acne, remember that your pediatrician can help. And once you start reading, keep these tips in mind:

* Be patient. It takes 3-6 weeks to see improvement. Give each treatment enough time to work.

* Be faithful. Follow your program every day. Do not stop and start whenever your skin changes. Remember, your skin can sometimes appear to worsen early in the program before you start to see improvements.

* Follow directions. Do not use the prescribed treatment is the most common reason for treatment failure.

* Do not use the medicines prescribed for someone else. This is true for all medications, especially Accutane. Doctors prescribe medication specifically for particular patients. What's good for a friend can be dangerous for you. Never take Accutane is prescribed to another person.

* Do not overdo. Too much scrubbing makes skin worse. Excess benzoyl peroxide or Retin-A cream makes your face red and scaly. Too many oral antibiotics can cause side effects.