If you are scared that antibiotics might affect you negatively, there are other treatments that your doctor can help you with. Some of these are

1 Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives, which are low in estrogen to promote safety, have little effect on acne one way or the other. Some contraceptive pills have been to shown to have modest effectiveness in treating acne.

2 Cortisone Injections: To make large pimples and cysts flatten out fast, doctors inject them with a form of cortisone.

3 Isotretinoin: is a wonderful treatment for severe, resistant acne, used on millions of patients since it was introduced in 1982. It is used for patients with severe acne, chiefly of the cystic variety.
A concern, much discussed in the popular press, is the risk of depression and suicide in patients taking isotretinoin. In fact, large-scale studies have shown no increased risk for depression and suicide in those taking isotretinoin compared with the general population. Although it is important for those taking this drug to report mood changes (or any other symptoms) to their doctors, even patients who are being treated for depression are not barred from taking isotretinoin, whose striking success often improves the mood and outlook of patients who have suffered and been scarred from acne for years.

4 Laser treatments: Recent years have brought reports of success in treating acne using lasers and similar devices, alone or in conjunction with photosensitizing dyes. It appears that these treatments are safe and can be effective. However, what isn’t clear at this time, is how long the effects will last. In addition, health insurers do not generally reimburse for these procedures, so they can be costly. At this point they are best thought of as adjuncts to conventional therapy, rather than as substitutes.

5 Chemical peels: Whether the superficial peels (like glycolic acid) performed by Estheticians, or deeper ones performed in the doctor’s office, chemical peels are of modest, supportive benefit only, and in general do not substitute for regular therapy.

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