A person suffering from bad acne may have inflamed pustules and deep cysts in multiple areas on their skin. If left untreated, it will damage and scar the skin permanently. Severe forms of acne can take many years to treat because different methods need to be tried to find a working solution. However, with the right guidance and tools, every acne case can be treated, no matter how severe.
Surgical Excision and Drainage
Some acne forms may not improve with medication so they will need to be drained manually. This process is known as acne surgery and should only be performed by a skilled dermatologist. Patients should not try this at home because they lack the skill and sterile conditions that are required. When an individual attempts to pick or squeeze their acne, it often leads to infection that worsens their condition.
Injections
If a cyst becomes inflamed, it will usually rupture and result in scarring. To prevent these cysts from scaring, dermatologists may inject them with interlesional corticosteroid, a chemical to promote healing and lessen the inflammation. This substance works by melting the cyst over a few days. This treatment is usually used for face acne, but it also works on other areas of the body. There are also injections that soften the pimple contents so it can immediately be extracted.
Isotretinoin
This drug is very potent, so it is only used for extremely severe acne that is resistant to other forms of medication. Today, it is known as one of the most effective acne drugs because it treats all acne symptoms at the same time. Although isotretinoin is very effective, it has a number of serious side effects that prohibit the drug from being prescribed to everyone. Some side effects include severe chest pains, diarrhea, skin dryness, depression, and painful swallowing.
Oral Antibiotics and Contraceptives
Oral antibiotics are the mainstream method for medically treating acne. Many of these antibiotics alter the hormone level, which plays a major role in causing acne. Treatment usually begins with a large dosage, which can eventually be reduced as the acne lessens. However, acne can eventually become resistant to the antibiotics, so another medication may need to be supplied.
Oral contraceptives are an effective way to heal acne that has been caused by overactive sebaceous glands in females. They cannot be used as a long-term cure, and should not be consumed by women who are over 35, who smoke, or suffer from migraine headaches.