Acne treatments

We all get spots from time to time, but serious acne is harder to shift. If over-the-counter treatments just aren't working, here are some of your options.

Serious spots can make you want to hide your face away

Antibiotics

If you see a doctor (GP) about acne it is likely that they will prescribe antibiotics, either as a lotion, skin cream or tablets. Antibiotics work by reducing the bacteria on your skin, which together with grease causes acne. A course of antibiotics usually lasts around six months and it normally takes around one to two months of treatment to see a noticeable improvement.

Benefits:

• Been used for a long time;
• Unlikely to experience side effects;
• Easily available on the NHS;
• Effective for a lot of people.

Drawbacks:

• Acne often returns when people stop taking antibiotics;
• There is a popular belief that antibiotics should not be taken for a long time as bacteria can become resistant to them;
• It is also thought that antibiotics can weaken the immune system.

Roaccutane (aka accutane or isotretinoin)

Roaccutane is a powerful yet very effective drug used to treat acne. As Roaccutane is a Vitamin A compound it helps regenerate skin cells and a course lasts for four to six months. In the UK it can only be prescribed by a dermatologist, which means you’ll need a referral from your GP. Roaccutane works by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands and reducing production of sebum oil in your skin.

Roaccutane is a very expensive drug, so the NHS prefers to prescribe it only for severe cases of acne. However because the drug is so effective many people with milder forms of acne have taken Roaccutane to clear their skin up. As you need to see a dermatologist to get Roaccutane you will have to go on a waiting list if you use the NHS. The NHS may also refuse to prescribe you the drug if they do not feel your acne is severe enough. Privately, you can see a dermatologist straight away.

Benefits:

• Very effective for all types of acne;
• Most people, even those with severe acne have clear skin by the end of the course;
• Can prevent future scarring;
• Most people’s acne does not return after finishing the course:

Drawbacks:

• Side effects while taking the drug include dry skin, dry lips, and other less common side effects such as muscle aches and nose bleeds;
• Some people think the drug may cause depression;
• Not always possible to get on the NHS and expensive if you go private;
• Roaccutane harms unborn babies so users should not get pregnant while taking the drug or for six months after. For this reason, women should also use contraception whilst taking the drug.

Reviews about the drug written by ordinary people.

Other approaches

One of the most widely used herbal medicines is tea tree oil, which has been found to be very effective for acne without having some of the side effects of other treatments. Some people have also found acupuncture helps improve their skin.

Picture of girl with face in her hands by Shutterstock.