Prescription topical medications come in a variety of products. The doctor will consider the patient s skin type when prescribing a product. Creams and lotions are moisturizing and tend to be good for people with dry skin. Gels and solutions are generally alcohol based and tend to dry the skin, so patients with excessively oily skin or those who live in hot, humid climates may prefer a gel. The doctor will tell the patient how to apply the medication and how often to use it.
Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical medications.
Common side effects include stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. With retinoids, these side effects usually decrease or go away after the medication is used for a period of time. Patients should report prolonged or severe side effects to their doctor. Between 4 and 8 weeks will most likely pass before patients see improvement in their skin. Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of P. acnes and decreasing inflammation.