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Skin care prescription drugs


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Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting to people who are affected by the disorder.

Several types of prescription topical medicines are used to treat acne, including antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. Antibiotics and azelaic acid help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation. Tretinoin, a type of drug called a retinoid that contains an altered form of vitamin A, is an effective topical medicine for stopping the development of new comedones. It works by unplugging existing comedones, thereby allowing other topical medicines, such as antibiotics, to enter the follicles. The doctor may also prescribe newer retinoids or retinoid-like drugs, such as tazarotene or adapalene, that help decrease comedo formation.

Price-RX.com offers you price comparison of the following acne prescription drugs:

Topical Retinoids

Prescribed to treat acne ranging from mild to moderately severe, topical retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A and considered a cornerstone in acne treatment. Retinoids work to unclog pores and prevent whiteheads and blackheads from forming. An added benefit in using topical retinoids is that they may help diminish the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Prescription topical antimicrobials

Topical antimicrobials work to inhibit the P.acnes populations and are used to treat patients with mild to moderately severe inflammatory acne. They may be used alone or combined with a medication that works on another factor that leads to acne aside from P.acnes. A dermatologist can determine whether a topical antimicrobial is appropriate for a patient and if so which topical antimicrobial should be prescribed.

Slow the growth of unwanted facial hair (UFH)

Antiulcer agent

Eczema, Psoriasis

Topical corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids are medicines that are similar to the natural hormone Cortisone and belong to the family of drugs called Steroids. They affect many body processes, including the breakdown of protein, fat, and carbohydrate; the activity of the nervous system; the balance of salt and water; and the regulation of blood pressure. Because of their widespread effects, these drugs are useful in treating many medical conditions. They reduce itching, swelling, redness, and allergic reactions, and therefore they are often used in treating skin problems, severe allergies, asthma and arthritis. These drugs also suppress the body's immune response, so they are used in patients who have received organ transplants, to reduce the chance of rejection. In people whose bodies do not produce enough natural corticosteroids, the drugs can raise the levels of those hormones.

These medicines come in a variety of forms. For example, Inhalant Corticosteroids are used to prevent asthma attacks, while Corticosteroid ointments, creams and gels are used to treat skin problems.

Short courses of topical steroids (less than four weeks) are usually safe and usually cause no problems. Problems may develop if topical steroids are used for long periods, or if short courses are repeated often. Side-effects from mild topical steroids are uncommon.




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