Online acne treatment: same-day prescriptions available

Hormones can provide a good explanation as to why acne commonly affects teenagers (hormonal acne). Particularly during puberty, the androgen hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more oil. This oil can clog pores, leading to the build-up of dirt and acne-causing bacteria that cause pimples and hormonal acne outbreaks.

In addition to the rising hormone levels during puberty, other changes to the body can also cause hormonal acne, including:

• A woman’s menstrual cycle

• Pregnancy

Certain medications can cause or worsen acne. Some known examples are:

• Corticosteroids - Acne due to corticosteroids is also called steroid acne. Steroid acne can happen to bodybuilders who use high-dose anabolic steroids and also in patients who were prescribed corticosteroids.

• Lithium - This medication has been prescribed for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. However, a common side effect of lithium is inflammatory acne.

• Barbiturates - This group of sedatives is used for the treatment of seizure disorder, insomnia, and anxiety. Acne breakouts are a side effect of barbiturates.

If you are concerned about acne outbreaks, ask your doctor about possible alternative treatments.

The use of phones, helmets, collars, backpacks, or sports equipment can all worsen acne.

Acne mechanica is a type of acne that occurs due to friction and pressure on the skin, and typically affects athletes. When an athlete's sports equipment or clothing constantly rubs against heated and sweaty skin, the skin becomes irritated. For athletes with existing acne or acne-prone skin, the skin irritation can trigger acne breakouts. Below are a few examples:

• Cycling equipment, such as the helmet

• Golf equipment, specifically the golf bag strap

• Football equipment, including the helmet, chin strap, shoulder pads, or other protective gear

• Pimples without abscesses

• Pus-filled cysts

• Face

• Neck

• Shoulder

• Chest

• Upper back

• Whiteheads - pimples with a small white pus-filled top

• Blackheads - pimples with black top

• Nodules - large pimples that are deep and painful

• Cysts - pus-filled pimples that are deep and painful

• Acne scars - Sometimes after an acne outbreak clears, it can leave acne scars on the skin.

• Dark spots - After an acne outbreak clears, dark spots can remain in places where the acne once was.

• Benzoyl peroxide - Common brand names of topical benzoyl peroxide include Clearasil, Stridex, and PanOxyl. This topical medication targets surface bacteria. A common side effect people have reported is irritation and dry skin in the application areas. 

• Salicylic acid face wash - Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells and prevents clogged hair follicles. This topical medication is available over-the-counter. 

• Tretinoin (Retin-A) - Topical retinoid (vitamin A derivatives) works by breaking up blackheads and whiteheads and preventing the formation of new pimples. A common side effect of this topical retinoid is irritation and dry skin in the application areas. 

• Antibiotics - Topical antibiotics work by controlling bacteria growth on the skin surface. Examples include clindamycin and erythromycin. Topical antibiotics together with topical benzoyl peroxide are effective acne treatments.  

These prescription tetracycline antibiotics can be taken orally to treat moderate acne to severe acne: 

• Doxycycline

• Minocin (minocycline)

For women, birth control pills can be an effective form of prescription acne treatment. Particularly, a few FDA-approved birth control pills (for acne patients) have been shown to be effective in controlling breakouts associated with menstrual cycles. A few examples are Estrostep, Beyaz, Yaz, and Ortho Tri-Cyclen. 

Rosacea is a skin condition that presents itself as small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face, usually in a very characteristic pattern across the bridge of the nose and on both cheeks. It can be accompanied by visible blood vessels on the skin, and certain forms of rosacea can present with red and swollen eyelids.

The staph bacteria Staphylococcus aureus can be commonly found on our skin. Staph infections can present as large, painful bumps that look like acne.

This is a condition that causes a rash around the mouth that can sometimes resemble acne, but has a treatment completely different from acne.