What’s the
difference?
Find the best treatment for your teen
There are several methods used to treat acne, and each method will work
differently for every individual. Check out a few of the pros and cons of some
of the more common remedies to see what may be a good fit for your teen.
Antibiotics / ProS
/One of the most commonly
used acne medications • Costs
as little as $10 to $30 for 30day supplies, and insurance
covers around 80 percent of
cost of pricier pills / CONS /
May cause side effects such as
nausea and headaches • Often a
trial and error process; the first
prescription rarely proves to be
the most effective
parent-to-parent
ial treatment,
“Accutane is a controvers
ost a year
and we considered it for alm
ssive
while we tried other aggre
that the
treatments. It’s important
ents be made
decision to go with treatm
information
by the child with specific
or she is fully
from the doctor so that he
e effects.”
aware of the potential sid
- Jim (father of 3 girls)
Accutane / ProS /
Proven effective to treat the
most severe cases of acne • Despite side effects, many patients
and doctors accept drug as a
reliable treatment • Insurance
frequently covers well over 80
percent of the prescription cost
/ CONS / May cause severe
side effects such as depression,
stomach pain and changes in
hearing • Some patients are
not eligible for this treatment
because of its dangers • Without
insurance, prescriptions may
cost over $700 per month
birth control /
ProS / Fairly accepted by teen
girls as a form of acne treatment
• Usually costs between $15 to
$50 per month • Generally considered safe with several brands
approved by the FDA
/ CONS / May cause side effects
such as migraines and mood
swings • Most must be taken at
a set time each day
topical benzoyl
peroxide
/ ProS / Directly eliminates
oil and bacteria from the skin
• Often costs less than $30 per
month, and insurance covers
most of prescription brand
costs • Used by millions of acne
patients because of its lack
of side effects / CONS / May
cause dryness of skin and
bleaching of
facial hair and clothing • One
wash will not work effectively
for every patient
NOTE: Extreme treatments such as Accutane should be used as last
resorts after exploring less intense options. Acne isn’t something that
goes away overnight, but encourage teens to be patient and work
together with them to find the best treatment that works effectively.
"See yourself as
God sees you...
Beautiful."
2 Corinthians 5:17
334.260.0355 • www.lesprit.net
8161 B Seaton Place, Montgomery, Al 36116
www.potentialmagazine.com
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