Acne is often a chronic condition and there are many conventional and alternative remedies for it.

Whether you have a single occasional pimple or zit or you have chronic acne which may range from moderate to severe, no doubt you are on the look-out for that miracle cure that will work and prevent the problem from recurring. However, there is no one remedy which will work for every body. Instead there is a range of options available for treating acne ranging from prescription strength medicines to over the counter remedies to alternative and natural remedies.

Conventional treatments

A severe or even mild case of acne can benefit by being treated by a dermatologist. Among the conventional medicines which are prescribed are those which have to be taken by mouth and those which are applied. These remedies, which may be given in various combinations include

• Topical benzoyl peroxide
• Resorcinol
• Salicylic acid
• Sulfur
• Retin-A (Tretinpoin)
• Antiobiotic solutions
• Adapalene
• Azelaic acid.
• Erythromycin
• Clindamycin
• Tetracycline
• Minocycline
• Doxycycline.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Spironolactone (Aldactone).
• Low-dose estrogen pills (for women)
• Low-dose corticosteroid drugs

All these drugs/medicines need to be taken under medical supervision and you must be monitored for side effects. Many antibiotics like tetracycline are not given to children below 12 years. Antibiotics also have various side effects. Even topical solutions and creams can cause reactions, stinging and burning and if these aggravate your condition instead of helping, they should be stopped.

Simple remedies

These are easy to get at remedies most of which will available at home. They are good for an occasional eruption and may not work for severe acne. These include antibiotic/antibacterial creams like Neosporin, toothpaste applied on the pimple and around and allowed to dry (keep it on as long a possible and use several times a day) or medicinal alcohol. Any of these will help keep the skin dry and reduce the affected area till the pimple disappears.

Natural remedies

First and foremost you should drink sufficient water as it is important to be well hydrated. Water also flushes out toxins from the body and toxins are supposed to be one of causes of acne. Among other kitchen remedies are

• Oatmeal flour mixed into a paste with rose water and some yoghurt and used as a face pack.

• Chick pea flour mixed with dried orange peel powder and little milk and used as a face pack.

• Tomato mashed up and applied to the face.

• Apply natural honey to your face. Mixed with a little powdered cinnamon it is even better.

• Garlic, which is made into a paste and applied, and three cloves of raw garlic eaten may help with acne.

There are innumerable home remedies available and you can try and see if any help you. You can also try homeopathy, natural herbal medicine and ayurvedic remedies which may cure your acne.

How to deal with scars caused by acne

Even a single pimple which is poked and prodded can leave a scar. If you have many pimples or severe and chronic acne, even if the skin clears up, there is greater likelihood of scarring. Simple dermabrasion may help make the skin scar free provided the scarring is not too deep. Mild chemical peels may help with deeper scars. Deeper scars may have to be excised.

A new treatment is laser treatment for acne. There are many different kinds of laser treatments for various kinds of acne. In the hands of a qualified laser therapist, the treatments are reasonably safe, but sometimes do have side effects. Discuss with your dermatologist or cosmetologist before undertaking this expensive procedure, which will usually not be covered by insurance.