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Treatment of Moderate Acne

How to Get Rid of Minimally Inflamed Pimples

Nov 4, 2009 Hanish Babu

Treatment of moderate acne involves combination of topical medications with oral agents being a choice in a few selected cases.

Moderate acne is a transition state between the non-inflammatory and inflammatory pimples. Skin colored bumps (papules) and comedones predominate in moderate acne, also called grade 2 acne. A moderate amount of pustules (pus filled bumps) is also seen in some patients.

Is it Necessary to Treat Moderate Acne?

The aim of treating acne is to reduce and clear the unsightly bumps to prevent possible scarring later on. Being an inflammatory type of acne, expert advice should be sought and treatment started in moderate acne without delay. Remember- early, appropriate treatment drastically reduces the chances of acne scar formation.

How is Moderate Acne Treated?

Treatment of moderate acne involves general measures and specific measures. General measures are similar to all other types of acne and involve advice on avoiding the acne triggers, skin care and observing healthy dietary and life styles.

Specific measures in the treatment of moderate acne involve use of topical antiacne medications.

Topical retinoids are the first line of therapy for moderate acne where comedones and papules predominate. Treatment is started with tretinoin or isotretinoin applied sparingly at night. Adapalene or tazarotene are alternative retinoids that may be used.
For papule and pustule predominant moderate acne, a topical antibacterial solution is also added. Clindamycin and erythromycin are the usual topicals used in acne. Azelaic acid is a useful alternative, especially in the healing stages, when mild pigment changes are present.
If the number of pustules are more and there is sign of deeper inflammation, an oral antibiotic like doxycycline or azithromycin will have to be used for a few weeks.
In those with pustule predominant moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide is the second line of treatment, along with either topical retinoids or antibiotics.
Retinoids and benzoyl peroxide are applied at night only, as these can sensitize your skin to sunlight, especially the retinoids.

Some may experience a flare up in the first two to three weeks of starting the topical treatment. This is a good sign and there is no need to stop medication, though concentration and frequency of application may be reduced till the inflammatory blowout is controlled.

How Long Should Moderate Acne be Treated?

Duration of treatment of acne varies from individual to individual and the type, severity and extent of the blemishes. In general, treatment should be continued until six to eight weeks after the acne bumps subside completely and there is no fresh outbreak. A maintenance application with topical retinoids should continue weekly twice or thrice for a few months to years, depending upon previous history of recurrences and the life style of the acne sufferer. Regular treatment will have to be re-instituted, should there be any recurrence.

Treatment of moderate acne involves avoidance of acne triggers, a combination treatment with topical anti-acne medications and following tips on how to prevent acne recurrences.

Moderated Acne: Related Article

Moderate Acne FAQ. Frequently asked questions on moderate acne describe how this type of acne is developed, the complications of untreated acne and the best treatment available.

Sources:

Diane T, Gollnick H et al. New insights into the management of acne: An update from the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne Group. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2009;60:S1-50.
Simpson NB & Cunliffe WJ. Disorders of the Sebaceous Glands in Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology. 2004; 7: 43.1-43.75.

Disclaimer

The information given in this article is for educational purposes only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, Dr.Hanish Babu, MD or Suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purposes only.

The copyright of the article Treatment of Moderate Acne in General Medicine is owned by Hanish Babu. Permission to republish Treatment of Moderate Acne in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Moderate Acne: Early Treatment Essential.	Topical Retinoids: Moderate Acne Treatment Choice.	Benzoyl Peroxide: Inflammatory Acne Treatment.
Topical Antibacterials: Acne Treatment	Oral Antbiotics Useful in Inflamed Zits.