Treatment Acne treatment consists of reducing sebum production, removing dead skin cells, and killing bacteria with topical drugs and oral medications. Treatment choice depends upon whether the acne is mild, moderate, or severe. Drugs Topical drugs Treatment for mild noninflammatory acne consists of reducing the formation of new comedones with topical tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, or salicylic acid. When complicated by inflammation, topical antibiotics may be added to the treatment regimen. Improvement is usually seen in two to four weeks.
Topical medications are available as cream, gel, lotion, or pad preparations of varying strengths.
These drugs may be used for months to years to achieve disease control. After washing with mild soap, the drugs are applied alone or in combination, once or twice a day over the entire affected area of skin. Possible side effects include mild redness, peeling, irritation, dryness, and an increased sensitivity to sunlight that requires use of a sunscreen. Oral drugs Oral antibiotics are taken daily for two to four months. Possible side effects include allergic reactions, stomach upset, vaginal yeast infections, dizziness, and tooth discoloration.