How Can I Eliminate Acne? These Tips Are Extremely Effective!
Acne is a pervasive issue affecting countless individuals, with its appearance on the face being particularly impactful. Proper daily care is crucial after acne emerges, including correct skin cleansing and rational medication use. Below are detailed instructions on the right approach.
1. Daily Care
Wash your face with warm water once or twice daily to cleanse the skin. Avoid squeezing or scratching the affected areas with your hands. Refrain from using oily, powdered cosmetics, and ointments or creams containing glucocorticoids.
2. Common Methods for Acne Treatment
(1) Topical Medications: Retinoids (Tretinoin Cream, Adapalene Gel, Tazarotene Gel), Benzoyl Peroxide, Antibiotics (Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Chloramphenicol, etc.), Azelaic Acid, Sulfur Wash, etc.
(2) Oral Antibiotics: Tetracyclines (Minocycline, Doxycycline) are preferred, followed by Macrolides (Erythromycin). Avoid antibiotics commonly used for systemic infections, such as Levofloxacin. The typical antibiotic course lasts 6-12 weeks.
(3) Oral Isotretinoin: For severe acne, oral isotretinoin is the standard and most effective treatment. The goal is to achieve a minimum cumulative dose of 60mg/kg.
(4) Anti-androgen Therapy: Oral contraceptives like Compound Cyproterone Acetate Tablets are suitable for female patients with moderate to severe acne accompanied by elevated androgen levels (e.g., hirsutism, seborrhea) or polycystic ovary syndrome. Oral contraceptives may also be considered for women with late-onset acne or significantly worsened premenstrual acne.
(5) Oral Glucocorticoids: Primarily used for fulminant or conglobate acne, following the principles of short-term, low-dose administration in combination with other methods.
(6) Others: For patients intolerant or unwilling to take medications, physical therapies like Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), Chemical Peels, and Laser Therapy can be considered.
3. Graded Treatment of Acne
(1) Grade 1: Typically treated with topical retinoids as the first choice.
(2) Grade 2: Combination therapy with topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics, with oral antibiotics added if necessary.
(3) Grade 3: Often requires combination therapy, with oral antibiotics combined with topical benzoyl peroxide and/or retinoids as the preferred option. Anti-androgen therapy may be considered for indicated female patients.
(4) Grade 4: Oral isotretinoin is the most effective treatment and can serve as first-line therapy. For those with numerous inflammatory papules and pustules, systemic antibiotics combined with topical benzoyl peroxide may be used initially, followed by sequential oral isotretinoin therapy after significant improvement in skin lesions.
4. Maintenance Therapy for Acne
Regardless of the treatment method used, maintenance therapy should continue after significant improvement in skin lesions. Topical retinoids are the preferred choice for maintenance therapy lasting 6-12 months, with benzoyl peroxide added if necessary.