A Guide to Severe Acne Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Debra Jaliman, MD on June 19, 2014
3 min read

You don't have to put up with severe acne and run the risk of getting scars on your face. There are lots of treatments that can bring your breakouts under control. The key is to work with your dermatologist to tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs.

Isotretinoin is a powerful drug that's used to treat the most severe cases of acne. Your doctor may recommend this drug if you have severe acne that doesn't get better with other medications, including antibiotics.

The drug is derived from vitamin A. It targets your acne by stopping the production of oil and decreasing inflammation that can lead to scarring.

Isotretinoin may be able to control your acne long-term and typically needs to be taken for 15 to 20 weeks.

While it can be an effective acne treatment, isotretinoin has some potential side effects that you should know about.

One serious side effect is that it can cause severe birth defects. The FDA requires women of childbearing age to agree in writing to use birth control before, during, and for a month after therapy.

The FDA also warns that using isotretinoin may be linked to depression, psychosis, and in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.

While taking isotretinoin, you will be checked by your doctor for side effects through at least monthly follow-up visits.

In 8 out of 10 people, isotretinoin clears up severe acne. But one-third of people may develop acne again after successful isotretinoin treatment. If this happens to you, usually you'll spot the return of your acne in the first year after you finish the treatment. Your doctor may recommend another round of isotretinoin or another treatment, depending on how severe your acne is.

Besides isotretinoin, you may also treat your severe acne with a procedure that drains and removes large acne cysts. This procedure may reduce the risk of scarring.

Your doctor may also recommend an anti-inflammatory steroid injection to treat inflamed acne cysts. Your cysts may shrink 2 to 5 days after the injection.

Another option you can consider is photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT uses light treatments to destroy bacteria that cause acne breakouts.

There is a tendency for acne to run in families. If you have symptoms of acne and have a parent or sibling who had severe acne with scarring, you may want to see your dermatologist to discuss treatments for severe acne.

Watch for signs that your acne is turning severe. For instance, you may notice you have deep, painful, or tender cysts. You may also have inflammation and signs of scarring.

Follow these tips as you make your treatment plan:

Don't wait. If you have signs of acne, set up an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will start to see results.

Don't ignore side effects. If you're experiencing side effects from prescribed medications, speak up to your dermatologist. Individuals react to drugs differently; your treatment plan must work for you.

Watch your mood. Acne is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression. If you are experiencing any symptoms, talk to your doctor and seek treatment.