1. Antibiotics

• Doctors commonly prescribe Tetracycline, Minocyline, Doxycycline, Clindamycin (although this is widely prescribed as a topical antibiotic). This curb the body’s production of bacteria that causes acne.
• You will have to be patient to see results; it can take weeks to several months.
• Also, you need to remember once you stop taking the Antibiotics the Acne will probably come back.
• Remember oral antibiotics can produce unwanted side effects, including an upset stomach and diarrhoea, and because of the dangers of bacterial resistance, their long-term use is not recommended.
• You can take antibiotics until your symptoms have been brought under control at which point Laser/Light systems can be used to prevent further flare-ups.

2. Contraceptive Pill

• A combination of estrogen and progentin took orally are often prescribed for hormonal Acne. Dianette is the most common for acne.
• The problem with birth control pills is that some women can experience brown blotches or melasma(hyperpigmentation) on the skin.
• At Leicester Laser Clinic we are noticing more and more clients with pigmentation due to using the contraceptive pill. This is more common in Indian/Asian women.

3. Isotretinoin/Roaccutane

• You have to be referred to a dermatologist to be prescribed Roaccutane. It is only prescribed in severe cases of acne.
• This drug reduces the amount of sebum you make in the sebaceous glands.
• There are serious side effects associated with this medication.
• Most people will experience dryness of the skin and & cracking of the lips.
• However if you have severe cystic acne, Roaccutane may be the only treatment option.

4. Corticosteroid Injection

• For severe cystic acne, a shot of this injection would reduce inflammation and help heal the skin quicker.

5. External Medication

• Topical Retinoids – They are a derivative of vitamin A, they are used to unclog pores in the skin.
• Topical Antimicrobials – Such as Benzoyl peroxide, they create an environment where bacteria cannot survive. The main drawback of using Benzoyl peroxide is that it can cause excessive dryness, peeling and stinging.