A multitude of treatments have sprung up, some of them without any scientific basis. As a patient, you should first understand the broad categories of treatments available. Once you make a choice about the category, then you can use a treatment or a number of treatments to get rid of acne as soon as possible.

The patient can self-administer some of these treatments, as they only require over-the-counter medicines or items that are available in every home. Some others may require treatments by a specialist. The broad categories into which treatments can be classified are as follows:

• • Applicants: Topical applications are undoubtedly the most commonly used method for treating acne. This is partly because a large number of them are available over the counter. A few are prescription-based. They dissolve the bacteria that is causing blockage of pores. This is a helpful solution in the short run, as most people who use these see visible effects in four to six weeks. These applicants contain oxidants, meaning that the bacteria do not easily become resistant to the treatment. The problem is that this is a temporary solution and is not sustainable. It will cure you for now but not prevent the next acne outbreak, which may occur only days later.
  • Oral Medicines: Among the most commonly used remedies for acne beyond topical applications are oral medicines. Oral medicines kill the bacteria causing the acne. It is important to note that, although the bacteria are killed, the mechanism that produces them is still alive and kicking. In the case of oral medicines, which are mostly antibiotics, the acne will likely return a few weeks later if the problem is not solved from the root cause. Eventually, the bacteria begin to get immune and the effectiveness of the medicine is reduced.
  • Surgical Remedies: With the development of science, more advanced ways of getting rid of acne have also developed. Surgical remedies are one of them. Microdermabrasion is one of these techniques. While the previous two methods got rid of the bacteria, this one gets rid of the affected skin. The top layer of the skin is peeled off using a laser. This helps to get rid of the affected skin pores. The new skin is healthier and as such does not get infected very easily. However until the body develops a mechanism to efficiently release toxins, acne will reappear.
  • Hormonal Treatments: These are usually oral drugs. However, they fall into a separate category because they do not kill the acne causing bacteria. Rather they try to balance hormones like androgen and estrogen. In many patients, acne is caused by an imbalance of hormones.
  • Natural Remedies: There is also a list of homemade remedies available. They are very effective in getting rid of the problem.