 |
Tips for
Proactive Acne
|
|
|
You should understand how much acne and what type of acne you have.
To stop new acne blemishes from developing with appropriate treatment.
To treat acne scars and prevent new scars from forming.
Points you should remember:
You can control and cover the visible lesions and avoid embarrassment.
Treatment is available that can prevent acne scarring.
You should get help for your acne as soon as you notice it. Early treatment minimizes the severity of acne. This is important especially if one of your parents had severe acne.
Points To Remember For Selecting Your Best Acne Treatment:
The severity level of your acne
Your personal goals for therapy
The effectiveness of the treatment and possible side effects
Your personal preference
Other Circumstances Specific To Girls And Women:
Pregnancy: is it possible you could become pregnant during treatment, or are you already pregnant?
Breastfeeding: Will you be breastfeeding during treatment?
Are you in the childbearing age range?
The acne treatment that you select will depend on the factors listed below:
The severity of your condition
The type of acne (comedonal vs. inflamed) lesions you have
Any previous experience you have had (and your skin’s response) to other treatments
The degree of oiliness or sensitivity of your skin
Any history you may have of sensitive skin or extreme irritation to specific products.
Note: Acne may flare in the initial stages of treatment. However, this is not necessarily an indication of unsuitable treatment. On average, you’re likely to see about a 20% improvement per month.
ACNE STAGE:
|
Minimal |
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
| Few comedones | Comedones | Comedones | |
| Rare papules | Few papules | Many papules | |
| No nodules/scars | Few pustules | Many pustules | |
| Face only | No nodules | No nodules on the face | No nodules on the face |
| No nodules on the face | Scars may be present | Scars on face/chest and back |
ACNE TREATMENT:
|
Mild |
Moderate |
Severe |
|
| Acne cleansers |
|
||
| OTC Treatments | |||
| Topical retinoids | Topical retinoids | ||
| Topical benzoyl peroxide | Topical benzoyl peroxide | ||
| Topical antibiotics | Topical antibiotics | ||
| Oral antibiotics | |||
| Hormone pills | |||
| Oral retinoids for acne scarring | Oral retinoids for acne scarring | Oral retinoids (Isotretinion or Accutane) |
|
