OTC Treatments to Acne Vulgaris

Several ontario dermatologists have come to use numerous treatment products for treating acne which is also scientifically known as Acne Vulgaris. Here is a list of the common OTC (over the counter) treatments used for acne treatment.

Topical bactericidal

These bactericidal products commonly contain benzoyl peroxide, a chemical used in mild to moderate acne. The gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide is rubbed, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region. Other than cream, bar soaps or washes may also be used and vary from 2 to 10% in strength.

Topical Antibiotics

These involve chemicals such as erythromycin, clindamycin, stievamycin, or tetracycline. Externally applied, these chemicals are used to kill the bacteria that are harbored in the blocked follicles. According to ontario dermatologists, while topical use of antibiotics is equally as effective as oral use, this method avoids possible side effects including upset stomach and drug interactions.

Oral Antibiotic

Oral antibiotics used to treat acne include erythromycin or one of the tetracycline antibiotics. However, reducing the P. acnes bacteria will not, in itself, do anything to reduce the oil secretion and abnormal cell behavior that is the initial cause of the blocked follicles. Additionally the antibiotics are becoming less and less useful as resistant P. acnes are becoming more common.

Topical Retinoid

A group of medications for normalizing the follicle cell life cycle. Chemicals used for this are tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. Like isotretinoin, they are related to vitamin A, but they are administered topically and generally have much milder side effects. The ontario dermatologists have cited that these could cause significant irritation of the skin.

Oral Retinoid

A daily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis, Clarus) over a period of 4-6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of acne. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands, however some studies suggest that it affects other acne-related factors as well. According to studies made by ontario dermatologists, isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients.

Other Less Popular Acne Treatments
*Aloe Vera

*Azelaic acid

*Calendula

*Cortisone

*Local heating

*Naproxen or ibuprofen

*Nicotinamide

*Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)

*Rofecoxib

*Zinc

*Comedo extraction

*Pantothenic acid

*Detoxification

*Vitamin and mineral supplementation