What is the best drug to treat acne?

Hands down- retinoids are the best drugs for acne. There is no better class of drugs that can erase acne like the retinoids. The majority of individuals do respond to retinoids; a few individuals may not. In these individuals, combination therapy with other drugs may be required

The majority of vitamin A derived products are good for acne. Retinoids are vitamin A derived drugs that have been around for more than 20 years.

Retinoids are not the first drugs for acne. A lot of studies exist which show the benefits of these drugs for acne sufferers. Retinoids are frequently used to treat moderate to severe cases of acne. Retinoids act by decreasing black heads and stopping the production of sebum or excess oil. Retinoids are available either as a pill or a topical lotion.

Retinoids are very potent drugs and besides acne, can help erase fine lines, and dry up oily skin. Because the drugs can cause excess drying and skin peeling, their use must be closely monitored. Retinoids should not be taken by females who intend to get pregnant or are breast feeding.

If you fail to respond to a retinoid, chances are you will not respond to any other drug.

Is oracea a good drug for my acne?

Let me make this clear- Oracea is the biggest rip off in all of medicine. Oracea is a tetracycline antibiotic and these drugs have been around for more than 50 years. All the claims about tetracyclines being a cure for acne are hogwash- tetracyclines are widely prescribed for acne but in 99% of cases the drugs do nothing. Many individuals who have used tetracyclines will attest to the fact that these drugs are a complete waste of money.

So what about Oracea?

Well, Oracea is just another fancy name for a tetracycline but it is useless for acne. The only skin disorder that may be improved by oracea is Rosacea.

Oracea should not be combined with any other medications for acne- it just increases the side effects and allergic reactions. Oracea is supposed to be taken every day as prescribed.

What to watch out for?

Avoid the sun if you take oracea as it can sensitize the skin to the UV rays and cause blisters.

Side effects of oracea include:

Mild nausea
Skin blisters
Swollen tongue
Vomiting or stomach upset
Others may develop candida in the mouth, vagina or rectal area.

Oracea is exorbitantly expensive and there is ZERO evidence that it can cure or prevent acne. There are no randomized clinical trials that have shown oracea works for acne.

Final point: Oracea is a drug that is just another tetracycline. It does zilch for your acne and costs a fortune. If you want to get rid of your acne, get your physician to write you a script for a retinoid. To date, these are the only drugs that work for acne.