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Acne is one of the most embarrassing things that some teenagers have to cope with. These red monsters ruin their social image and they struggle relentlessly to find a cure for them. At best, some ointments applied locally, treat the symptoms, but there seems to be no permanent solution to this awfully annoying problem. So far, people suffering from acne have four basic treatment options available to them. Externally, topical ointments can be applied to the surface of acne. These ointments contain an anti-bacterial agent that kills the bacteria responsible for creating havoc in the clogged pores of the skin. The second most common acne treatment is oral medication. Oral medication is best used to treat body acne and very, very severe cases of acne affecting the face. These oral medications have antibiotics in them that are fairly effective in reducing some of the more severe cases of acne. Another option available to acne afflicted people is hormone therapy but it is less common. Hormone therapy offers several treatment options. The most commonly used therapy entails injecting cortisone directly into the lesions. Another option is the use of inhibitors to prevent hormones like androgen from causing more acne outbreaks. In recent years, laser therapy has become an effective treatment option for acne. In this treatment, highly concentrated beams of light are aimed directly at the affected regions. The intense heat from the laser literally vaporizes the bacteria that cause acne. However, this cannot be done in a day. Usually, patients have to take several sessions with the laser before the results become visible. The other advantage of laser therapy is that it can help reduce the scarring caused by acute cases of acne. Laser burns away the dead skin and makes the scars less noticeable. For maximum effectiveness especially in severe cases, the treatments and scar therapy may have to be staged over several months. Unfortunately, laser treatment for acne costs quite a packed and most insurance plans do not cover this treatment. Laser treatment is likely to remain an expensive treatment option even for the coming years because the specialized equipment and facilities it requires are very costly. All acne treatment options including hormone therapy or oral medication carry some minimal risks. The risks involved in laser therapy are no greater. Acne is a very brutal and cruel part of growing up. Some of us are hit with it pretty hard while others seem to escape the curse entirely with only an occasional blemish here or there. Topical ointments are fairly effective in treating mild acne, but they can do little to stem the tide of an acute case of acne. In such cases, consult with your doctor or dermatologist and ask if laser treatment is an option for you.
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