Question

Which of the following would be prescribed for moderate to severe acne?

a) retinoids (tretinoin or adapalene)
b) topicals and oral antibiotic (doxy or mino)
c) azelaic acid
d) benzoyl peroxide
e) topical erythromycin or clindamycin

Answer 1

Moderate to severe acne may be treated with topicals and oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline, retinoids such as tretinoin or adapalene, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics like erythromycin or clindamycin. Treatment should be personalized and sometimes a combination of medications is best.

Step-by-step explanation:

For moderate to severe acne, there are various treatments that may be prescribed by a dermatologist. These could include:

• Topicals and oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline, which can help reduce the bacteria that contribute to acne.
• Retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene, powerful medications that can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
• Azelaic acid, which can help reduce bacteria and inflammation.
• Benzoyl peroxide, which can be used alone for mild to moderate acne or in combination with other treatments for more severe cases.
• Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin or clindamycin, which are used to fight the bacteria that can cause acne.

It's important that treatment is tailored to the individual’s situation, and sometimes a combination of treatments may be the most effective approach.

A dermatologist can provide the best guidance on which treatment or combination thereof should be used.