When it comes to medications for acne, there are, generally speaking, two forms: topical medications and oral medications. Topicals are applied directly to the skin and come in a variety of forms. They are normally used directly on outbreak areas. Orals are usually prescribed to be used in addition to topicals for moderate to severe acne.

Acne is the most common skin disease in the United States. It affects almost everyone between the ages of 12 and 22 to a greater or lesser degree. For some it can be a lifetime concern, but for most, it's no longer a problem by the time they reach their thirties.

For teens the effects can be as much (or more) psychological and emotional, than physical. In it's mild to moderate form it can lead to social difficulties and even to such symptoms as bad grades, depression and substance abuse. When severe, the effects can be even greater. Attending to a young person's acne problem can make a significant difference in the quality of their lives.

It's important to realize before using any medication that certain conditions can aggravate acne, and to avoid them when possible. These are examples of things that can cause acne or make it worse:

· Friction from tight fitting items such as backpack and bra straps, synthetic clothing, headbands, helmets, elastic bands, shoulder pads and collars.

· Oily and gel based cosmetics and hair care products.

· Petroleum based products like cutting oil, crude oil and metal working oils.

· Coal tar products like coal tar and Creosote.

· Sweating and high humidity.

· Sub blocks and suntan lotions.

When using products that can exacerbate your acne, wash any area that comes in contact with them as soon as you can. Also, wear loose fitting or cotton clothing and undergarments when possible.

There are a number of topicals that can be used to fight acne. These medications are available as gels, lotions, gels, pads, and soaps, and are used directly on the skin in the affected area. They can be bought over-the-counter or acquired by prescription. They are:

Benzoyl peroxide - is the most popular and widely available of the acne topical medications. It kills bacteria, reduces inflammation and helps to unclog pores. It's recommended for those with mild acne and is available in different strengths, from 2.5% to 10%. At higher concentrations it can irritate the skin while not necessarily producing better results.

Salicylic acid - helps to reduce whiteheads and blackheads. It's available OTC and in several strengths.

Retinoids - are prescription only medications that unclog the pores and reduce inflammation. They also help prevent the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads. They are for more severe cases of acne, but have a higher risk of side effects such as irritation, redness and peeling. Also, they should not be used by pregnant women as they can potentially harm the fetus. These drugs (known as tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene ) are derivatives of Vitamin A. They are marketed under the names Tazorac (tazarotene), Retin-A (tretinoin), and Differin (adapalene).

Antibiotics - that are applied topically reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, and are available by prescription.

Oral medications may be prescribed for cases of moderate to severe acne when it doesn't respond to topicals alone. They are often prescribed for use in addition to topicals but can be used by themselves. They are:

Oral antibiotics - which reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that cause pimples. They include the medications tetracycline, and minocycline. They should not be used by young children or pregnant women.

Isotretinoin - reduces the size of the oil glands in the hair follicles and reduces the oil that they produce. It shouldn't be used by those who are pregnant. It's prescribed for severe, inflamed acne that has been unresponsive to other treatments.