Natural Alternatives to Acne Drugs. Tea Tree Oil
The topical application of tea tree oil is effective for the treatment of acne. Tea tree oil reduces bacteria and other microbes associated with acne
Posts Tagged ‘topical’
Natural Alternatives to Acne Drugs. Tea Tree Oil
Monday, February 15th, 2010Retinoids otc for acne treatment medication
Sunday, February 7th, 2010Retinoids
Topical
Tretinoin (Retin-A, Avita, Renova)
Adapalene (Differin)
Isotretinoin (Isotrex gel)
Oral
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A. In topical form, they work by increasing skin cell turnover and promoting the release of the plugged material in the follicle. They also prevent the formation of new whiteheads and blackheads (comedones) because the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. Some retinoids (oral isotretinoin specifically) also reduce the amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands and stop P. acnes growth.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Although the list of side effects and precautions is daunting, the long-term effectiveness of Accutane (isotretinoin) is extremely positive. Seventy percent of patients receiving Accutane will be acne-free for more than 10 years. However, about 25 percent of patients who have used Accutane will see acne symptoms return after two years, and 10 percent will see acne return after just one year. A normal treatment period is about four to six months.
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Antibiotics: Topical and Oral. Medical precautions
Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010Antibiotics: Topical and Oral. Medical precautions
People with the following conditions or disorders should discuss their risks with their physician:
- Allergy to any component of the antibiotic
- History of allergies
- Impaired liver function
- Impaired renal function
- History of heart problems
- Porphyria (blood disorder)
- Myasthenia gravis
- History of intestinal disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, enteritis, etc.)
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
- History of Candida albicans infection
KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS
Topical Antibiotics
Using other topical therapies may cause irritation. Research suggests that clindamycin has neuromuscular-blocking properties. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents because it may enhance their action.
Oral Antibiotics
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Antibiotics: Topical and Oral. Potential side effects
Sunday, January 31st, 2010Antibiotics: Topical and Oral. Potential side effects
With topical antibiotics, common side effects may include burning, itching, dryness, redness, oiliness, or peeling where applied. With oral antibiotics, the most frequently observed, and usually doserelated, side effects are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. A less common side effect with oral antibiotics is blurred vision, primarily associated with tetracycline. Photosensitivity can also occur with tetracycline, so it is advisable to reduce sun exposure.
More serious side effects associated with oral antibiotics that may require medical attention include severe allergic reactions; other infections; vaginal irritation or discharge; bloody stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Major cautions
Antibiotics can cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) that may occur during treatment or even several weeks after treatment has stopped. Symptoms of this condition may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain or cramping, or blood or mucus in the stool. Clindamycin is particularly associated with this condition, but it can be caused by any antibiotic.
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Known drug interactions. Food or supplement interactions
Saturday, January 30th, 2010Known drug interactions. Food or supplement interactions
Using other topical preparations may interfere with the effectiveness of salicylic acid or increase skin irritation; do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless directed by your doctor. Talk with your doctor if you are taking aspirin, diuretics, and methyl salicylate (found in some muscle rubs); he/she may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
None known.
Antibiotics: Topical and Oral
Topical
Erythromycin (Akne-Mycin, Staticin, Erygel, EryDerm)
Clindamycin (C/T/S, Cleocin T, Clinda-Derm, Clindets Pledget)
Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin)
Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide (Benzaclin)
Oral
Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone)
Tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin)
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK? (more…)
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Known drug interactions benzoyl peroxide
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010KNOWN DRUG INTERACTIONS
Benzoyl peroxide should not be used with other topical treatments unless
indicated by your doctor. If used with tretinoin (Avita, Renova, Retin-A), it may
cause severe skin irritation.
FOOD OR SUPPLEMENT INTERACTIONS
There are no known food or supplement interactions or nutrient depletions
and/or imbalances associated with the use of topical benzoyl peroxide
treatments.
Salicylic Acid Topical
Oxy Clean Maximum Strength
Oxy Clean Medicated
Salex
Sebasorb
Stri-Dex
Zimulti
Phentrimine
Evening Primrose Oil
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK? (more…)
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How do these acne drugs work?
Sunday, January 24th, 2010Acne Drugs
Benzoyl Peroxide Topical
Benoxyl
Benzac AC
Benzagel
Brevoxyl
Persa-Gel
HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?
Benzoyl peroxide works by removing cells from the top layer of the skin surface. This action unclogs the pores so that oil (sebum) can escape. In addition, it has antibacterial action, thereby helping to clear the pores of infection by Propionibacterium acnes. Many acne preparations incorporate benzoyl peroxide because research indicates that it increases the effectiveness of some medicines. For instance, when used in combination with antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide reduces the likelihood of a patient developing resistance to the antibiotics: Noroxin, Keftab, Vantin.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
These topical medications can reduce mild to moderate acne without the risk of systemic side effects.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Stinging, dryness, and peeling tend to occur initially. Irritation, redness, scaly eruptions, darkening or lightening of the skin, or rash can be more serious side effects.
MAJOR CAUTIONS (more…)