Are different types of acne treated differently?
The approach to acne treatment differs greatly according to the severity of acne, the types of acne lesions that are present and whether which treatments you have had for your acne in the past.
You can think of the treatments for acne as a ladder - starting with non prescription over the counter treatments, moving through prescription topical treatments and then on to first line oral treatments such as antibiotics and the oral contraceptive pill (for women). Where these are not effective next steps include spironolactone (for women) or isotretinoin (roaccutane).
Mild acne: This can often be treated effectively either with over the counter products or with topical acne treatments. Comedomal acne (dominated by whiteheads and blackheads) is more likely to respond to topical retinoids and retinol.
Moderate acne: This rarely will respond to over the counter products and often requires systemic (e.g. tablet) treatments.
Hormonal acne: Hormonal acne fluctuates along with the menstrual cycle. There is a prediliction for the lower face and jawline. Treatment options include the combined oral contraceptive pill - particularly brands which contain an anti-androgen such as Yasmin or spironolactone.
Severe acne: With severe acne, particularly where there are nodules or cysts it is important to rapidly find an effective treatment to minimize scarring - this usually requires a prescription tablet treatment.
How can I help
I see patients in person in central London. An in person consultation allows me to examine the skin directly including features that are difficult to capture in a photograph such as 3-dimensional changes and textural change. This is the better option where the diagnosis is uncertain, where previous treatment has not been effective, or where a procedure is being considered. For more straightforward conditions such as acne and rosacea a remote consultation with clear photographs can be a good option.
Related Articles
- What are the different types of acne lesions?
- How is acne classified?
- How do you know what the right treatment is for your acne?
- What treatments are effective for hormonal acne?
