Tips on Effective Usage of Topical Applications in Acne Treatment

While providing the tips on effective usage of topical applications in acne treatment the following has to be considered:

1. What are the different skin types and how do the choice of topical applications differ in each?
2. What are the common topical therapy available for acne treatment?
3. How to choose the most effective topical applications in acne treatment?
4. What are the main issues related to topical therapy in acne?

Simple Tips to Manage your Acne

Tips on effective usage of topical applications in acne is, as expected, related to the type, severity and extend of the acne. Age, sex and psychological factors also comes into play. The most important factor, though, I would say is the clinical acumen and experience of the dermatologist or acne physician. Hence it is very important that you consult your dermatologist before instituting any type of therapy. OTC products may save money for a while. But a wrong application can cause damage to the skin and cause flare ups of the acne. This, in the long run, will jack up your medical bills.

Hence go through the following tips on effective usage of topical applications in acne carefully and plan your therapy.

1. What are the different skin types and how do the choice of topical applications differ in each?

Learning about the different skin types is important before choosing the type of topical applications for the acne, especially the face. Read more about the skin types in acne and their care. This will help you in choosing the best line of treatment with the help of these tips on effective usage of topical applications in acne

1. What are the common topical therapy available for acne treatment?

Common topical application in acne are:

1. Topical Retinoids in Acne
2. Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne
3. Topical Clindamycin in Acne
4. Topical Erythromycin in Acne
5. 10% Sodium Sulfacetamide
6. Sulfur 5%
7. Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Acne
8. Combination Therapies in Acne
9. Cleansers in Acne
10. Moisturizers in Acne

1. Tips on effective usage of topical applications in acne treatment: How to choose the most suitable ones?
• Depending upon the grading: Comedones respond better to Topical retinoids while in the presence of pustules, benzoyl peroxide or antibacterial topical applications are preferred. For extensive pustular or inflamed nodular lesions, systemic therapy should be instituted.
• Depending upon the skin type: Dry skins and sensitive skins may not tolerate topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. A gradual desensitization schedule should be maintained in such situations.

4. Tips on effective usage of topical applications in acne treatment:Common Issues in topical applications in acne treatment

1. Topical Applications in Sensitive Skin
   • These patients cannot usually tolerate topical benzoyl peroxide or retinoid. For them topical antimicrobials or azelaic acid, and, sometimes, sulfur and salicylic acid applications are preferred.
   • Patients are also advised to avoid using harsh acne cleansers for washing.
   • To reduce the infection and inflammation 4-6 weeks of oral antibiotics like Erythromycin, Tetracycline, doxycycline or Minocycline are also advised.
   • If they have associated seborrhoeic dermatitis, use of anti-seb shampoos containing zinc pyrithione or ketaconazole on the face and scalp and avoidance of moisturizers are advised.
2. Treatment of Steroid Acne
   Application of OTC topical steroids is a common cause for flare up of acne on the face and the body. Sometimes steroids used for dermatitis or other diseases like vitiligo may also cause steroid acne.
   Following are a few guidelines on the management of steroid acne

• Discontinuing steroid is the primary concern in steroid acne.
• Do not stop suddenly. Taper the steroid to lesser potency and stop with hydrocortisone. During the withdrawal, the patient may experience flare of the dermatitis, especially if the patient was treated for seborrhoeic dermatitis.
• A six week course of oral Tetracycline , and, if severe, minocycline is advised to treat steroid acne.
• Topically, metronidazole, erythromycin, clindamycin, or a sulfur product may be used to treat steroid acne.
• Antidandruff shampoos should be used concomitantly
• Avoid acne inducing moisturizers

Article Source : Acne Tips