Home Symptoms Acne

Acne — what to take?

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. It affects 85% of adolescents and many adults. Causes: hormones, C. acnes bacteria, sebum hypersecretion, abnormal keratinization.

5 recommended OTC drugs
~3,900 pharmacies available

OTC — no prescription

What you can take for acne

Informativ. Nu înlocuiește sfatul medicului. Consultă medicul sau farmacistul înainte de a lua orice medicament.

Types of lesions

Comedones (blackheads or whiteheads) — non-inflammatory. Papules, pustules — inflammatory. Nodules, cysts — severe lesions, risk of scarring.

Step-wise OTC treatment

Mild (comedones + a few papules):

  • Salicylic acid 0.5-2% — daily cleanser.
  • Niacinamide 5-10%.
  • Benzoyl peroxide 2.5-5% — spot application.
  • OTC retinol.

Moderate-severe:

  • Benzoyl peroxide 5-10% on lesions.
  • Adapalene 0.1% (without prescription, Differin).
  • Azelaic acid 15-20%.

Rx treatment

Topicals: tretinoin, clindamycin, dapsone. Orals: antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) 3-6 months, isotretinoin (Roaccutane) for severe resistant acne.

In women

Combined oral contraceptives and spironolactone (Rx) — effective in hormonal acne with premenstrual flares.

Common mistakes

  • Popping pimples — scarring, infection.
  • Changing products too often (effects appear in 6-12 weeks).
  • Aggressive exfoliation.
  • Avoiding moisturizers (worsens sebum).
  • Sun exposure without SPF.

Diet

Evidence for worsening: dairy (especially skim), high-GI foods (sugar, white flour). Weak evidence: chocolate, fried foods.

Medical disclaimer: the information in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical or pharmacist advice. For diagnosis and treatment consult a healthcare professional.

When to see a doctor

If any of these signs appear, consult a doctor — OTC treatment is not enough:

  • Severe nodulocystic acne
  • Scars formed or at risk
  • Acne resistant to 3 months of OTC
  • Significant psychosocial impact
  • Sudden de novo acne in adult (hormonal workup)
  • Signs of hyperandrogenism in women (hirsutism, alopecia)

Frequently asked

Common questions

How long does acne treatment last?
Minimum 6-12 weeks to see effect. Continuous treatment for maintenance — acne is a chronic disease.
Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid?
Benzoyl — antibacterial, more effective on inflammatory lesions. Salicylic — on comedones. They combine (at different times).
Differin (adapalene) without prescription?
Yes, in Romania adapalene 0.1% is available without prescription. Apply in the evening, start with 3 times/week, increase gradually.
Isotretinoin — what do I need to know?
Powerful treatment for severe acne. Skin/lip dryness, contraindicated in pregnancy (teratogenic), monthly monitoring.

Need a medicine now?

Find the nearest pharmacy
— with prices and stock.

Open the map →