Many consider visiting a dermatologist to be one of the last steps in trying to escape acne. This level of treatment is typically avoided for financial reasons, or due to the belief that over-the-counter treatments can be just as effective. The truth of the matter is that OTC acne products come nowhere close in respect to efficacy when compared to prescription medications. The most obvious problem is that they primarily combat one cause of acne - bacteria. You cannot dispute that bacteria is involved in lesion formation, however, it plays only a very limited role initially. Without dead skin cells to obstruct pores, acne bacteria cannot wreak havoc. Prescription acne treatments address all the causes of the disorder, which also include abnormal skin shedding as well as excessive sebaceous gland activity.



After a brief consultation with the patient, most dermatologist prescribe two topical medications and an oral one for treatment. One topical focuses on the bacteria aspect. Benzoyl peroxide makes a fine choice, as does Erythromycin. The next topical cream or gel normalizes skin cell turnover function. It expedites the time-frame in which the skin sheds dead cells from its outer layer.



A popular topical retinoid, as these medications are called, is Retin-A. Finally, we have the oral medications which also control bacteria. A popular medication used to achieve this is tetracycline. Given that such a comprehensive approach is taken, it is no wonder that so many successfully complete their treatment plan.



There are plenty of naysayers who will tell you that booking an appointment with a dermatologist is a waste of time. They have either never tried professional-grade acne medications, or have yet received mixed results. More often that not, the scenario is that they failed to progress past the six week mark with their treatment plan. These medications take time to work, and with our unrealistic expectations, it is no wonder so many people still have acne. The bottom-line is that you have to stick to your doctor's instructions and be patient. Otherwise, you will continue to suffer at the hands of this disease.