Compounding Pharmacies Work Together with Dermatologists in the Fight Against Acne
While it’s commonly assumed to be a challenge for teenagers, acne can touch adults as well. No matter a person’s age, visiting a dermatologist is required to get a prescription for treatment of the skin affliction. Lotions, creams and pills are generally recommended by the experts, but many people don’t 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 custom-made solutions to acne medication with an eye toward personalized needs and preferences.
A very common skin disease, acne is characterized by various kinds of blemishes including scaly red skin, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and also scarring in some cases. It occurs most frequently during puberty, but it can still trouble people well into their adult lives. Along with its physical difficulties such as itchiness, inflammation and pain, acne has psychological ramifications too. It can contribute to low self-esteem, social insecurity and even depression in some people.
Although there are things people can do to fight acne naturally, such as steering clear of certain foods, using pore-cleansing face washes and avoiding the use of comedogenic makeup (cosmetics that can clog pores and cause further acne flare-ups), for most individuals it’s simply a matter of hormones. Generally speaking, acne clears up or decreases substantially by one’s early twenties, but not always. For that reason, many people choose treatment over the wait-and-see strategy. Dermatological remedies are, oftentimes, very effective in managing the condition. However, not all prescription drugs are created equal.
Unlike conventional pharmacists who fill prescriptions with mass-produced medications, specialty pharmacies offer customized medicines. Mass-produced and over-the-counter drugs often contain dyes, fragrances, preservatives and other nonessential ingredients that can have a very negative impact on a person’s acne. With a compounding pharmacy, medications are made only with the components necessary to treat the skin disorder. This makes it the ideal choice for anyone with allergies or incredibly sensitive skin. It’s in the best interest of dermatologists to work with pharmacies that offer compounded medications, as they prove very useful to their patients.
Customized acne medications include face washes, lotions, toners, creams and gels that are used topically. These will be specially developed to suit a person’s individual body chemistry, taking any sensitivity issues or allergies into account. Moreover, the pharmacy can create pills designed to adjust or balance the hormone levels, which can, in turn, decrease the production of acne-causing oil.
Compounding pharmacies might even save patients money. Many OTC and mass-produced drugs are patented and therefore generate more revenue for manufacturers. Specialty pharmacies, on the other hand, 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 medicines include those for eczema, psoriasis, fungal growths, diaper rash, and even anti-aging wrinkle creams. Whatever the issue, a compounding pharmacy likely offers a better alternative to OTC and mass-produced prescription medicine. Designed to work with one’s very specific needs, people generally see faster, more satisfactory results with compounded acne medications.
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