What is the Difference Between Over the Counter Treatments and Prescription?

The difference between over the counter treatments and prescription strength acne treatments is the fact that the prescription medications are stronger than over the counter.  Over the counter treatments contain Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and antibacterial components.  Over the counter treatments come in medicated creams and medicated pads.  Mediated pads should be tried first.  People who have mild acne can try the over the counter medicated treatments first.  If no results are seen after about 8 weeks, the person should go to a dermatologist and discuss the possibility of needing prescription strength medication to treat their skin condition. 

The topical prescription strength medication has much a much stronger medication called Benzoyl Peroxide in it.  Because this medication is so much stronger it must be prescribed by a medical doctor.  It is not available anywhere else except in pharmacies.  Retinoids may also be prescribed as a treatment. 

Accutane is an oral prescription strength treatment used in cases that do not respond to topical prescription strength treatments.  Women who take this medication are required to use two forms of birth control because it can cause serious deformities in the fetus if the woman becomes pregnant while using this medication.