|
|
5. Are there any side effects from the pills?
6. How long will it take to see results?
7.
My acne is getting worse with the medicine, is that normal?
8.
Can I stop the medicine once I'm better?
9. What should I
use to wash my face and body?
10. Is acne caused from dirt
and not bathing?
11. Are there any foods I should avoid
(french fries, chocolate, etc.)?
12. I ran out of medication,
what should I do? 1. What are
the different ways to treat acne?
Acne can be treated either with
creams/gels/lotions/pads (topical therapy) or with medicines by mouth. Often times,
a combination of both topical and oral medications are given.
2. How should I use the creams/gels/pads
that I was prescribed?
The best way to use the topical medications
is as follows:
A. Wash your face with lukewarm water and allow it to dry for
20 minutes prior to putting on any of the topical medications.
B. Apply a
thin layer of the medicine to the entire area (not spot treatment) and remember
that more is not necessarily better and may add to irritation
C. These medicines
treat and prevent acne, so continue to use them even if your face is totally clear.
3.
I'm getting irritated by the topical medicines I'm using, what should I
do?
Some of the topical medications (mainly medicines like Differin,
Retin-a microgel, and Tazorac) may cause dryness and peeling of the skin. This
is partially how the medicines treat acne. The best thing to do is to make sure
that when you wash your face, you use lukewarm or cool water and that you allow
your face to dry for 20 minutes prior to applying the medication. In addition,
if you are very irritated, you should stop the medicine for a week and then re-start
it every other day. If you tolerate this, then advance to every day use.
4. How should I take the pills/tablets
I was prescribed?
Most of the pills that are taken for acne are oral
antibiocs. These help to fight bacteria and to decrease inflammation. The pills
should be taken with at least a full glass of water to assure that they get all
the way down the esophagus. With most of the pills, it is fine to take them with
food and may even help to decrease any potential stomach upset.
5. Are there any side effects
from the pills?
Many of the pills that are used for acne may have
minor side effects. Fortunately, most of these are mild. The most common side
effect is an upset stomach and this can be minimized by taking the pills with
at least a full glass of water and/or with food. Some of the pills (mostly minocycline/
Dyncain/Minocin) can cause dizziness. Several of the pills (minocycline, doxycycline,
tetracycline) can cause increased sensitivity to the sun and you should use sun
protection when outside for extended periods of time. Finally, Accutane can
cause side effects most commonly dryness and at times headaches, muscle aches,
and mood and vision changes. If you are having any problems, or experiencing other
possible side effects, please contact us in the office.
6.
How long will it take to see results?
Acne is a process that
does not clear over night. It can take several weeks to begin to see the effects
from the treatment you have been prescribed. Usually the topical medicines start
to kick in after 4 weeks of use. The oral medications can take 4-6 weeks to see
their true effects/benefits. So, hang in there...
7. My acne is getting worse
with the medicine, is that normal?
Often times, in the beginning of
acne treatment, the condition can get worse before it gets better. This is because
there are blackheads and whiteheads that may be under the skin. What is happening
is that the medication is bringing out the lesions that would have eventually
come out anyway (just faster and at the same time). So, this is expected. Don't
be discourage, it actually means that the medication is working. Keep going, things
will get better soon!
8. Can I stop the medicine
once I'm better?
It is not a good idea to suddenly stop the medications
you are using for your acne. Remeber, the medicines treat AND prevent acne so
it is a good idea to continue the medications, even if you look totally clear.
Do not make any changes until you speak with your doctor.
9. What should I use to wash
my face and body?
Gentle cleansing twice a day is all that is needed.
Remeber, acne is not caused by dirt, it is a deeper process that comes from the
oil glands and various other factors. If you have been prescribed a cleanser (Brevoxyl,
Triaz, Clenia, Rosanil) then use this to cleanse your face. If not, there are
many over the counter cleansers that can be used including Cetaphil, Neutrogena
products, Purpose soap, and others.
10. Is acne caused from
dirt and not bathing?
No. Acne is a process that occurs from many
different factors. Cleanliness is unrelated to acne and over washing may even
cause irritation and worsening of the acne. For proper bathing instructions, see
#9.
11. Are there any foods
I should avoid (french fries, chocolate, etc.)?
There is no proof
that diet is related to acne breakouts. Some people do note however that certain
foods may cause problems. If this is the case, the avoid those foods. Otherwise,
enjoy!
12. I ran out of medication,
what should I do?
If you are due to see one of the doctors, make an
appointment as soon as possible. If not, you may either contact
us or have your pharmacist call our office with a refill request.
|
