Compounding Pharmacies Work Together with Dermatologists in the Fight Against Acne

While it’s commonly assumed to be a challenge for teenagers, acne can affect adults too. Whatever a person’s age, going to a dermatologist is required to get a prescription for treatment of the skin affliction. Lotions, creams and pills are generally prescribed by the experts, but many people do not know that there is a great alternative to the one-size-fits-all approach of a conventional pharmacy. Compounding pharmacies all over the country create customized solutions to acne treatments with an eye toward personalized needs and preferences.

A common skin disease, 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 often in adolescence, 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 implications too. It can contribute to low self-esteem, social uncertainty and even depression in some people.

While there are things people can do to combat acne naturally, such as avoiding certain foods, using pore-cleansing face washes and avoiding the use of comedogenic makeup (makeup that can clog pores and trigger further acne flare-ups), for most individuals it’s simply a matter of hormones. Generally speaking, acne clears up or decreases significantly by one’s early twenties, but not always. For that reason, many people choose treatment over the wait-and-see approach. Dermatological solutions are, oftentimes, very effective in managing the disease. However, not all medications 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 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 extremely sensitive skin. It is in the best interest of dermatologists to work with pharmacies that offer compounded medications, as they prove beneficial 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 specific body chemistry, taking any sensitivity issues or allergies into consideration. Additionally, the pharmacy can create pills engineered to adjust or balance the hormone levels, which can, in turn, decrease the production of acne-causing oil.

Compounding pharmacies may even save patients money. Many OTC and mass-produced 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 price is that multiple drugs can be included in a single pill, ointment or other treatment vehicle.

Other customizable medications 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 medicine. Created to work with a person’s very specific needs, people typically see quicker, more satisfactory results with compounded acne medications.

Reproduction permitted only if all active links are maintained and byline is preserved, and/or your byline is omitted. 2012 All Rights Reserved.