What Treatments Can You Get from the Pharmacy for Acne?

Oct 25, 2022 Acne

Acne is caused by various factors and can vary in severity. Some people deal with bouts of it while others have to deal with it long-term. 

 

Causes of Acne

 

There are many causes of acne. Some people just seem prone to it without an identifiable cause. Hormones can play a part in it, i.e. during teenage years and it is also common for those with conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

While for some individuals lifestyle changes and skincare routines can help, for others, medical support might be required. Thankfully, there are a number of over-the-counter treatments as well as prescription medications that can help with acne.

 

Prescription Medication for Acne

 

Here at SimplyMedsOnline, our prescribers can send out prescription items after a consultation. This includes medications for acne. One of the most common prescription medications is Lymecycline.

 

What is Lymecycline? 

 

Lymecycline is an antibiotic but isn’t penicillin or related to it. While it can be used for other conditions it is most often indicated for acne. Lymecycline works by stopping the production of the specific proteins that the bacteria associated with acne needs to form spots. While it is not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or who is trying to get pregnant it is a commonly prescribed aid for those struggling with acne.

 

How Long Does it Take Lymecycline to Work?

 

Lymecycline capsules are to be taken daily and it usually takes around two months before those taking them start to notice a visible difference. Many do report that the soreness and inflammation, however, starts to reduce sooner than that. If there is no significant difference by the time someone has been taking it regularly for three months, the advice is to speak to your GP about an alternative medication or treatment.

Other prescription drugs to consider include Differin and Epiduo Gel. 

 

Does Differin Kill Acne Bacteria? 

 

Differin works differently from some acne medications and treatments. Its active ingredient is Adapalene which is a retinoid. Retinoids not only help to reduce the inflammation that occurs with acne, it also works hard to reduce the formation of white and back head spots. Differin is available as a gel and as a cream.
 

What are the Best Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments? 

 

As with many conditions, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all over-the-counter acne treatment that will suit everyone. Popular choices, however, include Acnecide gel, Freederm and Sebamed Clear Face Gel.

 

Acnecide Gel

Acnecide gel is an easy-to-use treatment that stops the bacteria that cause acne (Propionibacterium acnes). Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in Acnecide which kills up to 95% of bacteria-causing spots. This helps to clear skin and reduce soreness. One of the other reasons that Acnecide is popular is that it also helps to absorb excess oil. As you might know, excess oil contributes to spots/acne.

 

Freederm Treatment Gel 

 

Many turn to Freederm, a well-known skin care treatment for acne which has been specially formulated to offer an anti-inflammatory treatment. Containing nicotinamide, Freederm Treatment Gel is aimed towards helping with mild to moderate acne and pimples.

 

Sebamed Clear Face Gel  

 

One of the unfortunate side effects of acne is rough skin and scarring. Sebamed Clear Face Care Gel is for those with acne-prone and oily skin and helps to heal acne while increasing the skin’s ability to bind moisture. This means that rough and irritated skin caused by acne is smoothed and soothed. Sebamed also helps promote a healthy PH balance. 

 

In Conclusion

 

Acne can be a difficult condition to deal with. Not only is it a very visible condition, but due to the inflammation that comes with acne, it can also be very uncomfortable. Acne Prescription OTC Creams can go a long way towards helping to ease acne and our pharmacist is happy to help. 

You can find out more about the diagnosis and treatment of acne here on the NHS website.