How To Know if You Need a Prescription Acne Treatment
It's a frustrating problem that can start in the teen years and last throughout most of your life.Over-the-counter medications respond well to mild to moderate acne.If you have moderate to severe acne, you may need prescription medication.Determine if you follow a proper skin care regimen and how long you have been using OTC products to find out if there is a need for a prescription to treat yourAcne.If the bumps are large, red, painful, and leave scars, you should determine if it is persistent or not.
Step 1: Do the over-the-counter treatments work?
Many people use face wash, creams, or gels purchased at the store to treat their skin problems.It should clear up within four to eight weeks using these products.You may need a prescription if this has not happened.If your products contain these ingredients, look at them.Try a face wash or cream for six weeks before you decide to get a prescription.The common OTC strengths are 2.5 to 10%.It can be as low as 0.2 to 5% for salicylic acid.Before going to the dermatologist, you may want to try a stronger OTC treatment.While most retinoids require a prescription, there is one that is available over the counter.It is possible to use this to see if it works before getting a retinoid.
Step 2: Do you use the correct skincare products?
Some people end up with skin problems because they don't use the right products.Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin will affect which products you choose.To do this, you need to know what type of skin you have.The skin is shiny.There are red patches on dry skin.The combination skin is both.Your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin may be oily, but you may have dry patches.People with all skin types should wash their face twice a day.Salicylic acid is good for oily skin.Dry skin needs a gentle cleanser that doesn't dry it out.
Step 3: Do you cleanse your face correctly?
It is a good idea to wash your face in the morning and at night.Do you follow a proper skin care regimen?You may need a prescription if you still have persistent skin problems.Start a face cleansing program if you don't follow it.
Step 4: If it leaves scars or is painful, notice.
Even if you accidentally pop them, they will not leave a scar.For a short time, they may be a bit sore.People with moderate to severe acne may have bumps on their face.A scar or a dark spot can be left by popping, squeezing, or picking at a pimple.This is cause to see a doctor.
Step 5: If you have redness in your face, it's time to figure it out.
If you have more than a few pimples, you may need a prescription.You may need a prescription if you have a lot ofAcne that covers not only your face but body.You may need a prescription if you have cysts or nodules.There are cysts and nodules under the skin.They can last a long time.This type of skin disease leaves scars.
Step 6: If your life is negatively affected by your acne, figure it out.
Negative self-esteem, anxiety disorders, and depression can be suffered by people who have a problem with the skin on their face.If you have a problem with your self-esteem, you may need to see a doctor.You may need a prescription if you don't go out with people or get upset about your skin condition.
Step 7: You should make an appointment with your doctor.
If you visit your general practice first, you can determine if you have an underlying problem.There are other underlying medical factors that may cause bumps or cysts.If you have an underlying condition, you may be able to get rid of it.This could mean that you don't need a prescription.
Step 8: You should visit your doctor.
You should see a dermatologist if you want to get a prescription.They can look at your skin to determine the severity of your problem.Your doctor will help figure out the proper treatment by determining your skin type.How you should use the medication, how often to use it, and how to ensure proper skin care will all be explained by your doctor.
Step 9: There is a medication that can be applied to the skin.
If you have moderate to severe inflammatory acne, a doctor may prescribe a prescription.The medications are placed on your skin.You can get a lot of things.Antibiotics work to rid the body of harmful organisms.They help with redness and inflammation.There are retinoids that are derived from vitamins A and C.They help remove dirt.They can be used with antibiotics to get the medicine to work.New pimples can be helped by retinoids.Stronger versions of treatments containing sulfur may be prescribed by your doctor.
Step 10: Consider taking oral medications.
If you have moderate to severe acne, oral medications may be right for you.Inflammation and the growth ofbacteria can be reduced by taking oral medication.There are many oral medications that are prescribed.Sometimes,bacteria will become resistant to antibiotics.Your doctor will change your prescription if this occurs.Negative side effects can be caused by oral medications.Some are not recommended for pregnant women or children under the age of 14.Discuss any side effects with your doctor.
Step 11: It's a good idea to take isotretinoin for more severe problems.
You may need something stronger if your medication doesn't work.If you have cysts or nodules, this can happen.For about four to five months, a retinoid is taken.It helps your body produce less oil.It is possible to reduce the risk of scarring.It is not a good idea for pregnant women to take isotretinoin.Teens taking isotretinoin have been linked to depression and suicide.There is no evidence that the medication caused these symptoms.If you are a teenager taking this medication, make sure to watch for depression symptoms or suicidal thoughts.
Step 12: Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
There are changes in hormones that may cause teenage girls to have skin problems.A prescription medication may be the best way to treat the problem of androgens.Birth control pills are often prescribed for this type of skin problems.Both men and women produce androgens.They overstimulate the oil glands, which can cause a problem.