Persistent or severe cases of acne may respond best to oral acne medications. How do you know if oral acne medications are the right treatment choice for you?
Severe acne (Grades III and IV) is characterized by the presence of numerous papules and pustules, deep nodules, and pronounced inflammation of the skin. Cysts are often present as well. It is sometimes referred to as nodulocystic or cystic acne. Severe acne often occurs on other areas of the body, in addition to the face.
A dermatologist must treat acne of this severity. Severe acne can be difficult to control, and in most cases requires systemic medications in addition to topical treatments. Systemic medications work internally to improve the skin.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics have been used to treat acne for many years. Like topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics work by reducing Propionibacteria acnes (the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts). They also help decrease inflammation of the skin. Patients are usually started on a high dosage and moved to lower dosages as acne improves. Oral antibiotics are used to treat moderate to severe acne, or persistent acne.The most common oral antibiotics prescribed for acne treatments are:
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, can be used to treat acne in women. A combination of estrogen and progestin, oral contraceptives work to reduce oil gland secretions by suppressing androgen hormones. They are a good choice for women with acne who need a form of birth control anyway. Oral contraceptives are used in conjunction with topical medications to treat severe acne.Just a handful of birth control pills have been approved as acne treatments by the FDA, including:
However, birth control pills have been prescribed off-label to treat acne for many years. Most doctors agree nearly any formulation will give the same effect.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, formerly sold under the brand name Accutane, is a vitamin A derivative. It works by shrinking the sebaceous glands, reducing the amount of oil found on the skin. This, in turn, reduces the amount of comedones produced.Because of possible serious side effects, it is used only in cases of very severe or cystic acne after all other treatment options have been exhausted.
