Acne is one of the most common and most oppressive diseases in the world. Not only it affects the victim physically, but people suffering from this disease are usually affected socially and emotionally.
85% of young people aged 12-24 years around the world experience acne and continues until adulthood despite treatments. This common disease largely affects quality of life as it leads to emotional distress and physical scarring. People have been very keen about treatments and habits that help in alleviating acne.
A team of dermatologists from across Canada had another look at the latest evidences and provided treatment recommendations for 3 acne types: comedonal acne, mild-to-moderate papulopustular acne and severe inflammatory acne.
They found out every form of acne can be treated differently as follows:
Comedonal Acne
Acne that is characterized by blackheads and white heads. This type of acne can be treated with topical benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or a combination of topical retinoids (benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin). If treatment does not work, oral contraceptives should be considered.
Mild-to-Moderate Papulopustular Acne
Acne that is characterized by superficial red blemishes and pimples. Just like for Comedonal acne, topical benzoyl peroxide can also help treat Papulopustular acne. For worse cases, you can opt to take oral antibiotics or oral contraceptives (in women) with other recommended topical treatments.
Severe Acne
Acne that is characterized by deep pustules or nodules. If experienced physicians prescribed you to, you may use oral isotretinoin as it is proven to be very effective. However, be cautious regarding strict pregnancy preventive measures.
Dr. Jerry Tan of Department of Medicine, Western University, London, together with co-authors published this new guideline in Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) as they hope that these guidelines will be kept by health care professionals and help them address the common plague of acne in patients.
