Severe acne vulgaris is characterized by inflamed and infected nodules and cysts with deep abscesses. It results in open wounds and pus-filled pores. Left untreated, it can cause serious damage and scarring to your skin.
This type of acne is quite different from mild or moderate cases. Severe acne needs the immediate attention of a qualified dermatologist.
Severe acne can be caused by both environmental and genetic variables. It may arise from simple to moderate acne that worsened through uncontrolled infection that has spread.
Usually a dermatologist will recommend a combination of both topical cream and oral drugs for severe acne treatment. Treatments include different antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, and adapalene. Antibiotics work well, attacking the source of inflammation- the p. acnes bacteria lining the follicle.
Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that stops the development of comedones or inflamed hair follicles. While it doesn't necessarily stop the growth of bacteria, it acts to unplug clogged pores that cause inflammation and lesions thereby allowing the use of topical antibiotic cream to work deeply within the skin.
Even more powerful than tretinoin are the newer generation forms of retinoid drugs. Like tretinoin, these drugs, often tazarotene or adapalene, also help to fight off the development of comedones or comedo lesions.
These drugs, although not available over the counter (OTC), come in different forms. Similar to OTC drugs, these come in a variety of solutions, gels, lotions and creams. Your dermatologist will immediately know which type is right for your skin and prescribe what he or she believes will most effectively open pores and fight off unwanted bacteria.
If retinoids and antibiotics do not work for you or if you prefer a more lasting solution to your severe acne, your doctor may prescribe isotretinoin or Accutane. It is again chemically related to Vitamin A and is taken orally for 4-6 months, and maybe repeated, depending on the severity of your acne. It is a powerful medication proven to work for many people but may cause serious side effects which fortunately resolves upon discontinuation of the drug.
You need not despair if you have severe acne. Take action and visit your dermatologist so that he or she can give you these powerful medications. By so doing, you reduce your risks of having those ugly acne scars later.