subject: Treatments For Acne: What Are Your Options? [print this page] Acne sufferers range in age from pre-pubescent to adult and treatments for the different types are just as diverse. Most people suffer from acne at some point in their lives, and most can benefit from some kind of treatment. If you find yourself suffering from this skin problem, the first step is to set an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss your treatment options.
Breakouts on the skin can occur in many different shapes, sizes and locations on the body, but all are encompassed by the term 'acne.' Whether you have a light sprinkling of pimples across your forehead or a cluster of cystic acne on your upper back, you suffer from this ailment and are a candidate for treatment.
Causes of skin issues are many, and are not necessarily tied to sweets or greasy foods as once thought. Clogged pores, stress, hormone changes and genetics play the greatest role in acne formation.
A light case of some skin problem may be adequately treated by an over-the-counter cream or cleanser and may not require an appointment with your dermatologist. But a severe or recurring case warrants a trip to your doctor and a serious consultation of the best treatment for you. Before deciding on a treatment, be sure you're well-versed on the potential causes of blemishes on your skin by logging your food intake, menstrual period and stress level as they correspond with your blotchy flare-ups, for at least two weeks before the appointment. This information will help your dermatologist decide how to attack your problem and what kind of treatment is necessary.
Treatments for these problems include a number of topical creams and oral medications, both in varying degrees of potency. Your doctor will most likely start with a simple topical cream and oral antibiotic and monitor your issues to see if additional treatment is needed.
Anyone bothered by their persistent and visible problems is a candidate for treatment-it isn't just a condition for teenagers going through puberty and won't necessarily be outgrown. It's a smart choice to seek treatment. The self-esteem boost brought by clear complexion cannot be overstated, and will be fully appreciated by the former sufferer.
One down side to seeking such treatment is that your ailment tends to get worse before it gets better-this is true across the board. But if you can suffer through a couple of weeks of extra inflamed derma, you should start to see serious improvement and be glad you did it. Discuss the drugs you could take to improve your ailment with your doctor, but try out other treatments before you consider taking them.
Deciding on a successful treatment is a game of trial and error. Talk to your doctor about it, and don't give up!
