Remedies to treat pimples, or acne, help control excessive sebum production by the skin, prevent the development of bacteria or reduce inflammation, directly contributing to reducing the number of pimples.
Pimples are inflammations that occur in the glands and follicles of the skin, being caused by excess oil, the presence of bacteria and hormonal dysregulation, for example. Find out what the causes are and how to avoid pimples.
Medications to treat pimples can be taken orally or applied to the skin and vary depending on the degree of acne, which can cause side effects and, therefore, should only be used with the guidance and prescription of a dermatologist.
Remedies to treat pimples can be used orally or topically, depending on the degree of the lesions:
Oral medicines
Medicines for oral use can be prescribed in tablet or capsule form and are normally:
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics, such as tetracycline and minocycline, may be recommended by a dermatologist for moderate to severe acne, as they help eliminate bacteria on the skin and reduce redness and inflammation.
Antibiotics such as erythromycin or azithromycin are also an option for people who cannot take tetracyclines, such as pregnant women or children under 8 years of age, for example
Antibiotics for acne must be prescribed by a dermatologist and are sold in pharmacies or drugstores only with a prescription.
How to use: The dose and duration of antibiotic treatment for acne must be indicated by the dermatologist, which varies according to the type of antibiotic and the severity of the acne. However, oral antibiotics should be used for the shortest possible time to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Possible side effects: Serious side effects resulting from the use of antibiotics to treat acne are rare. These medications may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes.
2. Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin, or retinoic acid, is one of the most effective treatments to combat severe acne with scars and cases of acne that have not improved with other treatments, such as antibiotics, pimple creams or adopting new skin hygiene habits.
This substance reduces sebum production, reducing the proliferation of bacteria and skin inflammation. This medicine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores and is only sold with a medical prescription and prescription retention by the pharmacy. Understand better what it is like to use isotretinoin to treat pimples.
How to use: Generally, treatment starts with 0.5 to 1 mg per kg of body weight per day, which can be increased to up to 2 mg per kg of body weight per day, and the capsules must be taken after meals, at times established by the doctor. dermatologist. The duration of treatment varies depending on the daily dose and the complete improvement of acne, which generally occurs within 16 to 24 weeks of treatment.
Possible side effects: The most common side effects are sensitivity, itching and dryness of the skin, lips and eyes, muscle pain and joint pain. The medicine can also cause conjunctivitis. Furthermore, pimples may worsen at the beginning of treatment. See the main precautions during treatment with isotretinoin.
3. Oral contraceptives
Acne treatment in adolescent and adult women can be done using oral contraceptives, such as drospirenone, cyproterone or combined progestin and estrogen, which help control hormones, reduce skin oiliness and the formation of pimples. See other types of contraceptives and when they should not be used.
Immediate benefits may not be seen with this treatment and it is recommended that other acne medications be used for the first few weeks.
How to use: The doses of the contraceptive pill vary in each case, but you should take 1 tablet every day, always at the same time, or according to your doctor’s instructions.
Possible side effects: Side effects depend on the type of pill prescribed and the dosage, but generally include nausea, abdominal pain, breast pain, headache, weight gain, or mood changes.
4. Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a diuretic, normally indicated for the treatment of blood pressure, however, it has antiandrogenic action and, therefore, may be indicated for the treatment of acne caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
This medication works by inhibiting the production of sebum and the proliferation of sebocytes, helping to reduce acne lesions.
How to use: The initial dose of spironolactone for polycystic ovary syndrome is generally 25 mg per day, which can be increased by the doctor to up to 100 mg per day.
Possible side effects: menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, decreased libido, dizziness, nausea, headache, polyuria and fatigue.
Topical pimple remedies
Topical remedies for pimples are generally prescribed in the form of gels, solutions or creams, and it is important to avoid sunbathing and use sunscreen while using these medications.
1. Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid is an antibiotic that also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, preventing the production of bacteria Propionibacterium acnesresponsible for the appearance of acne.
This remedy can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of a dermatological cream or gel, sold with a prescription.
How to use: Before application, it is important to wash your hands and the area with water and appropriate soap. The gel or cream containing 150 mg/g to 200 mg/g of azelaic acid can be applied twice a day, to all areas with pimples. As it is an antibiotic, azelaic acid should not be used for more than 6 weeks at a time.
2. Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial that helps exfoliate the skin and is used in peels that must be applied by a dermatologist.
How to use: The concentration of glycolic acid in peels is between 5% and 10%, which must be applied in a doctor’s office in sessions with a minimum interval of 15 days.
3. Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory and bactericidal exfoliant that helps treat acne, as it controls skin oil and prevents contamination by fungi and bacteria.
How to use: It can be used in peeling applications performed by a dermatologist, but it is also possible to find a cream or gel for daily use and should be used as directed by the dermatologist. It is important to remember that before application, you must wash your hands and the area with soap and water and dry your skin well.
4. Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide helps in the treatment of mild to moderate acne, as it has a high bactericidal and anti-inflammatory power, fighting bacteria on the skin. Learn more about how to use benzoyl peroxide on pimples.
How to use: It is recommended to use benzoyl peroxide in concentrations ranging from 2.5% to 10% in creams or gels that can be applied once or twice a day and for a period of 8 to 12 weeks, according to medical advice. Before application, it is important to wash your hands and the area with soap and water.
5. Clindamycin
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is normally indicated for topical use and must be associated with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
This remedy inhibits the action of bacteria on the skin, promoting the improvement of injuries and inflammations.
How to use: In the form of solutions or gels, clindamycin should be applied twice a day and for a maximum period of 6 weeks.
6. Retinoides
Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, can also be used to treat acne, as is the case with adapalene or tretinoin.
These retinoids are anti-inflammatories that act on the sebaceous gland, reducing sebum production, stimulating cell regeneration and improving the healing of injuries. Discover all the benefits of tretinoin in treating pimples.
How to use: After washing your hands and the area with soap and water, the cream or gel with retinoids should be applied to dry skin, at night and throughout the acne-prone region, as instructed by the dermatologist.
Side effects of topical medications
The most common side effects that can occur with the use of topical remedies are dry skin, irritation, sensitivity to the sun, redness and a burning sensation of the skin. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen to avoid damage to the skin.
Remedy for pimples during pregnancy
Some medications should not be used by pregnant women, such as clindamycin and retinoid medications, such as tretinoin or isotretinoin, which are contraindicated in pregnancy because they can cause defects in the fetus and during breastfeeding, as they can pass to the baby through breast milk. .
An acne remedy that can be used during pregnancy is azelaic acid. However, pregnant women should consult their dermatologist and obstetrician before using any acne medication during pregnancy, as some may be harmful to the baby.
Home remedy options for pimples
In addition to conventional remedies, there are some homemade recipes that also contribute to good results in treating pimples, such as baking soda and even mint tea. See how to prepare home remedies for pimples.
Furthermore, during treatment it is important to drink 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day to keep the skin hydrated and eat a balanced diet, with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, which help reduce skin inflammation. Find out which foods to prioritize and which ones to avoid to treat pimples.
Pimples usually generate some spots on the skin that can take a long time to disappear. Some homemade mask options can reduce skin blemishes, such as clay and/or yogurt-based masks.
See with our nutritionist which foods help reduce pimples in the following video:
Source: www.tuasaude.com