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| Treatments for Scarring | The physical scarring that is caused by acne can be purple or red and be raised or leave deep pockmarks. The scars are treated with time over a period of 18 months or more with them becoming flatter and the color returning to the normal skin color.
Laser treatments, dermabrasion, chemical peels and other treatments have been suggested for acne scarring though none has the ability to remove all traces of scarring and their effect is very hard to measure.
Acne Treatment with Antibiotics
Treatment with antibiotics kills the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. This not only helps to reduce the small infections in the pores, but also indirectly keeps the pores open.
Acne Treatment with Clindamycin
• The most frequently used topical antibiotic for acne.
• Available as a solution, lotion, or gel at 1% strength.
• Applied twice a day to all acne prone areas.
• Generally well tolerated but may cause some irritation.
• Should not be used by people with regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis or a history of antibiotic-induced colitis.
Acne Treatment with Erythromycin
• Second most commonly used topical antibiotic used for acne.
• Available as a solution, gel, and ointment at 2% strength.
• Applied twice a day to all acne prone areas.
• Generally well tolerated but may cause some irritation.
• Safe for use by pregnant women.
Acne Treatment with Tetracycline
• Is used not very often as a topical treatment.
• Available as an ointment and solution at different strengths.
• Contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfa derivative and can cause allergic reactions.
• May also cause yellowing of the skin.
Acne Treatment with Metronidazole
• Is used frequently for acne caused by rosacea.
• Available as a gel at 0.75% strength.
• Applied once or twice a day.
• Generally well tolerated but can cause irritation.
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