Acne affects millions of Americans each year. While acne is often thought of as a childhood disease, affecting teenagers in particular, many adults also suffer from it. The good news is that there are a variety of treatment options available. You can find both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription acne treatments. While prescription medication is typically more effective, OTC acne treatments can still do wonders. Let’s take a look at both treatment options. If you need assistance with acne in the Atlanta-metro area, including Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, contact the Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases.

Our team of medical providers has helped countless folks deal with acne. It’s important to understand that acne can cause permanent disfigurement and may also result in pain, mental anguish, and various other challenges. The right treatments can do wonders.

Salicylic Acid

This treatment is available over the counter, although you can also get prescriptions for stronger formulations. Salicylic acid can help clear away dead skin cells and may also help control bacteria. Ultimately, salicylic acid can make pores less likely to get clogged.

Benzoyl Peroxide

This treatment, which is also available over the counter, works somewhat similarly to salicylic acid. It can cause the top layers of your skin to peel, thus removing dead skin cells. It may also help control bacteria. The above will help reduce the risk of pores clogging up.

Not sure which acne treatments to use? You can contact the Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases for help crafting the perfect treatment plan. We help residents of Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, and other nearby communities deal with acne and other dermatological issues.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics require a prescription. Both oral and topical antibiotics can be effective for treating acne. Some patients are surprised to learn that antibiotics are a leading treatment for clearing up acne, and especially severe cases. Killing off bacteria can reduce inflammation and also make it less likely that pores will end up clogged.

Oral Contraceptives

For women suffering from acne, oral contraceptives may clear up outbreaks. Acne is often linked to hormones. Oral contraceptives can affect your hormones, and in some cases, can reduce acne.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is typically used only with severe cases of acne as some of the side effects can be rather significant. For example, it may cause serious birth defects. It is available by prescription only.

Various other OTC and prescription treatment options exist. Should you or your loved ones in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, need assistance with acne, contact the Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases at (770) 751-1133 for the Roswell, GA, office, (770) 664-5225 for Alpharetta, GA, (770) 844-1902 for Cumming, GA, and (404) 252-4333 for Sandy Springs, GA.