While it’s commonly assumed to be a challenge strictly for teens, acne can touch adults too. No matter one’s age, visiting a dermatologist is necessary to get a prescription for treatment of the skin ailment. Lotions, creams and pills are generally recommended by the experts, but many people don’t know that there is a very good alternative to the one-size-fits-all approach of a standard pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies all over the nation create custom-made solutions to acne medication with an eye toward personalized needs and preferences.
A common skin disease, acne is characterized by various kinds of blemishes including scaly red skin, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and even scarring in some cases. It does occur most often during puberty, but it can stay with people well into their adult lives. In addition to its physical difficulties such as itching, swelling and pain, acne has psychological implications as well. It can lead to low self-esteem, social uncertainty and even depression in some people.
Although there are things individuals can do to combat acne naturally, such as steering clear of certain foods, using pore-cleansing face cleansers and avoiding the use of comedogenic makeup (makeup that can clog pores and trigger further acne flare-ups), for most people it’s purely a matter of hormones. In most cases, acne clears up or decreases substantially by one’s early twenties, but not always. For that reason, many people choose treatment over the wait-it-out approach. Dermatological remedies are, in many cases, very effective in treating the condition. However, not all medications are created equal.
In contrast to traditional pharmacists who fill prescriptions with mass-produced medications, specialty pharmacies provide customized medicines. Mass-produced and over-the-counter drugs often contain dyes, fragrances, preservatives and other nonessential ingredients that can have a very negative impact on a person’s acne. With a compounding pharmacy, medications are produced only with the components essential to treat the skin disorder. This makes it the ideal choice for anyone with allergies or extremely sensitive skin. It’s in the best interest of dermatologists to work with pharmacies that offer compounded medications, as they prove very useful to their patients.
Customized acne medications include face cleansers, lotions, toners, creams and gels that are used topically. These will be specially formulated to suit one’s individual body chemistry, taking any sensitivity issues or allergies into account. Additionally, the pharmacy can create pills designed to adjust or balance the hormonal levels, which can, in turn, decrease the production of acne-causing oil.
Compounding pharmacies might even save patients money. Many OTC and mass-produced prescription drugs are patented and thus generate more profits for manufacturers. Specialty pharmacies, on the other hand, can use generic variations of the same drugs that are, typically, far less expensive. Another reason for the lower price is that multiple drugs can be included in a single pill, ointment or other treatment vehicle.
Other custom medications include those for eczema, psoriasis, fungal growths, diaper rash, and even anti-aging wrinkle creams. Whatever the issue, a compounding pharmacy likely provides a better alternative to OTC and mass-produced prescription medication. Designed to work with one’s very specific needs, people generally see quicker, more satisfactory results with compounded acne medications.
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