Medical Health Encyclopedia

If the pimples are still a problem, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications and discuss other options with you.

Prescription medicines include:

• Oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) such as minocycline, doxycycline, and tetracycline
• Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin) such as clindamycin or erythromycin
• Synthetic vitamin A derivatives called retinoids such as retinoic acid cream or gel (Retin-A) and isotretinoin pills (Accutane) -- pregnant women and sexually active adolescent females should NOT take Accutane, as it causes severe birth defects
• Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid

Birth control pills can sometimes help clear up acne. (In some cases, though, they may make it worse.)

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Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling, removal of scars by dermabrasion, or removal or drainage of cysts.

A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne. However, excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk of skin cancer.