If topical treatments don’t improve acne or if the condition is severe, oral medications are the best option. “If topical treatment alone does not improve acne, or if acne is severe or extensive, oral medications are the best option.” Oral antibiotics combined with prescription creams are common treatments.

For severe cases, isotretinoin or minor surgery may be recommended. “Depending on people with acne, treatment may include using prescription creams to prevent acne, taking antibiotics to kill bacteria that contribute to acne, or, if acne is severe, taking stronger medications such as like isotretinoin, or even minor surgery.” Laser therapy is another option if topical treatments fail.

Natural remedies can help, but persistent acne may need stronger treatments. “While I would like you to try natural remedies first, if you are not seeing improvement and severe hormonal acne is making your quality of life worse, other treatments can make a real difference.”

Stress reduction is also key to managing acne. If creams or antibiotics don’t work or cause side effects, in-office treatments like laser therapy and hormonal drainage may help.

“Other treatments include birth control pills to control acne, hormonal drainage and extraction, and laser and phototherapy.”