While it’s frequently thought to be an issue strictly for teens, acne can affect adults too. No matter a person’s age, going to a dermatologist is necessary to get a prescription for treatment of the skin ailment. Lotions, creams and pills are generally prescribed by the specialists, but many people don’t know that there is a very good alternative to the one-size-fits-all approach of a conventional pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies all over the country create customized solutions to acne medication with an eye toward individual needs and preferences.
A very common skin condition, acne is characterized by different kinds of blemishes including scaly red skin, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and even scarring in some instances. It does occur most frequently during puberty, but it can still trouble people well into their adult lives. Along with its physical difficulties such as itchiness, swelling and pain, acne has psychological ramifications as well. It can contribute to low self-esteem, social insecurity and even depression in some people.
Although there are things individuals can do to fight acne naturally, such as avoiding 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 strategy. Dermatological solutions are, in many cases, very effective in managing the condition. However, not all prescription drugs are created equal.
In contrast to traditional pharmacists who fill prescriptions with mass-produced medications, specialty pharmacies offer personalized 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. At a compounding pharmacy, medications are made only with the components essential to treat the skin disorder. This makes it the ideal choice for anyone with allergies or incredibly sensitive skin. It is 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 applied topically. These will be specially developed to suit one’s specific body chemistry, taking any sensitivity issues or allergies into consideration. Moreover, the pharmacy can create pills engineered 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, however, can use generic versions of the same drugs that are, typically, much less expensive. Another reason for the lower cost is that multiple drugs can be incorporated in a single pill, ointment or other treatment vehicle.
Other customizable medicines include those for eczema, psoriasis, fungal growths, diaper rash, and even anti-aging wrinkle creams. Regardless of the issue, a compounding pharmacy likely provides a better alternative to OTC and mass-produced prescription medication. Designed to work with a person’s very specific needs, people generally see quicker, more satisfactory results with compounded acne medications.
Update 1-24-12
