PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Acne Treatments
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Minimizing the scars of acne
Adolescence is an awkward time for acne to start appearing, when the social challenges of becoming a teenager can be compounded with hormonal changes. Acne may seem minor enough -- a few blemishes here or there -- but it can leave people feeling socially awkward. This hormonal condition has a social and emotional impact too.
But acne is manageable. Many effective over-the-counter products are available to help it and avoid physical and emotional scarring. Try different types, but don't expect too much too soon, as it can take time for acne medications to take effect. If over-the-counter medications don't help, consult a dermatologist.
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Acne Facts
- What you eat -- including chocolate -- doesn't cause "zits" and other blemishes.
- Dirt doesn't cause acne, so scrubbing with soap and water won't clear up pimples.
- While triggered in adolescents by surging sex hormones, acne isn't helped or hindered by sexual activity.
First Flare-Ups
- About 75% of all teenagers have some degree of acne.
- Acne affects boys and girls equally, but more men than women have acne.
- While girls often get acne earlier than boys, it is usually less severe.
- Nervousness or stress can cause an acne flare-up.
- Moderate to severe acne conditions may require the attention of a physician.
Drug Information
- Self-treatment can work with some types of facial acne, but it's important to cleanse the affected area daily and use medication on a regular schedule.
- Resorcinol and resorcinol monoacetate alone are not considered effective against acne; combined with sulfur, they are.
- When using benzoyl peroxide, opt for the 2.5% concentrations. It's just as effective as higher concentrations but causes less skin irritation.
- Sulfur is effective against acne, but has a pungent odor and may be visible on the skin when applied.
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Benzoyl peroxide
An antibacterial drying agent that helps reduce acne.
Keratolytic agents
Skin-peeling agents which increase the turnover of epithelial cells. Thought to reduce acne by sloughing off dead skin cells and exposing new skin to medication. For external use only.
| Benzoyl Peroxide | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Benzoyl Peroxide (conditionally approved) | | It is not known exactly how benzoyl peroxide helps treat acne, but it is thought to be antimicrobial in action. Not FDA-approved to be safe, but it is effective in the treatment of acne. | | Keratolytic Agents | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Resorcinol | | Alone, not effective in the treatment of acne; however, when used in combination with other agents, like sulfur, it is deemed safe and effective. Works by drying the skin. | | Salicylic Acid | | This FDA-approved keratolytic is the oldest one still in use. Available in concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2%. Formulations include soaps, pads, and lotions. Considered safe and effective in reducing acne and clearing the skin. | | Sulfur | | When 3% to 8% sulfur is used in combination with either 2% resorcinol or 3% resorcinol monoactetate, it is recognized as being safe and effective by the FDA. Helps resolve existing acne but may be comedogenic, or acne-causing, when used for prolonged periods of time. Sulfur preparations often have a noticeable color and smell, which may detract from their appeal. |
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FDA-Approved Uses
Anti-acne products
- For the treatment and management of acne.
- Clears and helps prevent acne blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Allows skin to heal.
Lifestyle Changes- Many people have acne from adolescence into adulthood, so living with it means managing it.
- Though acne is not cause by dirt, consistent facial hygiene helps remove excess oil and may reduce the incidence of outbreaks.
- Replace oil-based cosmetics with water-based cosmetics.
- If your hair is oily, increase the frequency of shampooing.
- Avoid irritants that might make your acne symptoms worse.
- Do not pick or pinch inflamed acne vesicles. This may cause secondary infection and scarring.
Medication Can Help- Before applying any acne medication, clean your face thoroughly with a mild cleanser, rinse, then dry.
- Apply a thin layer of acne medication to your face. This is preferably done at night to allow maximum contact with your skin, but medications can be applied during the day if convenient.
- Acne medications may cause skin irritation when first applied. This is expected. If the irritation continues or gets worse, discontinue use of the medication.
- Most acne medications take several weeks before maximal results are seen.
Need More Help?- Stronger medications are available by prescription to treat acne.
- Antibiotics and vitamin A derivatives, these very potent drugs help reduce acne symptoms.
- See a dermatologist if you have cystic acne or extensive papules or pustules.
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Warnings
Benzoyl peroxide
Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:
- An allergy to benzoyl peroxide or other components of acne medications
- Cystic acne; it requires prescription medications
- Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
Or if you:
- Are administering to a child or infant
- Are concerned about increased risk of cancer
- Develop excessive skin irritation
- Experience overexposure to sunlight while using medication
- Plan to use near eyes and mucous membranes
- Use on broken skin or large areas of the body
Or if you are taking:
- Other topical acne agents: may add to or increase benzoyl peroxide side effects
- Tretinoin (Retin-A): may increase tretinoin side effects
Salicylic acid
Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:
- Allergy to salicylic acid or aspirin
- Cystic acne; it requires prescription medications
- Diabetes
- Poor blood circulation
- Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
Or if you:
- Are administering to a child or infant
- Develop excessive skin irritation
- Plan to use near eyes and mucous membranes
Or if you are taking:
- Other topical acne agents: may add to or increase salicylic acid side effects
Sulfur
Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:
- Allergy to sulfur
- Cystic acne; it requires prescription medications
- Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
Or if you:
- Are administering to a child or infant
Or if you are taking:
- Other topical acne agents: may add to or increase sulfur side effects
Resorcinol
Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:
- Allergy to resorcinol
- Cystic acne; it requires prescription medications
- Skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema
Or if you:
- Are administering to a child or infant
- Develop a dark brown scale on skin
- Develop excessive skin irritation
- Plan to use near eyes and mucous membranes
Or if you are taking:
- Other topical acne agents: may add to or increase resorcinol side effects
Common Side Effects
Benzoyl peroxide
Salicylic acid
Sulfur
- Mild skin redness
- Mild skin peeling
Resorcinol
- Mild skin redness
- Mild skin peeling
Infrequent to Rare Side Effects
Benzoyl peroxide
- Allergic skin rash
- Skin dryness
- Skin redness, peeling, or stinging
Salicylic acid
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Ringing in ears
Sulfur
- Allergic skin rash
- Skin redness, peeling, or stinging
Resorcinol
- Allergic skin rash
- Skin redness, peeling, or stinging
Effects of Overdose
Benzoyl peroxide
- Excessive scaling
- Extreme redness
Salicylic acid
Sulfur
Resorcinol
What to Do in Case of Overdose
Benzoyl peroxide
- For external use only. If swallowed, immediately seek medical attention.
Salicylic acid
- For external use only. If swallowed, immediately seek medical attention.
Sulfur
- For external use only. If swallowed, immediately seek medical attention.
Resorcinol
- For external use only. If swallowed, immediately seek medical attention.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Government Sources
- 1. Food & Drug Administration. Federal Register 8/16/91.
Books
- 1. Covington, TR et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, Eleventh Ed. American Pharmaceutical Assoc. Washington, DC 1996.
- 2. Kastrup EK et al. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons.
- 3. Inlander, CB and Slamans, S. The Over-the-Counter Doctor. Cader Books. New York, NY 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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