Dermatologists' Types of Treatments for Skin Breakouts

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists more than 50 skin conditions that dermatologists may encounter with patients, for treatment. A majority of those conditions may result in a visible kind of breakout, and treatment routinely depends upon the diagnosis itself. Among the treatment types patients may encounter with their dermatologist include light therapy, anti-fungal treatments, antibiotic treatments and anti-inflammatory treatments.

Antibotics

• Insect bites only require antibiotics if they become infected.

  Dermatologists use antibiotics to treat a variety of skin outbreaks ranging from acne, to boils, to cellulitus and even infected bug bites. While more moderate infection outbreaks are typically treatable by cleansing the area with soap and water and applying topical anti-bacteria cream, some stronger outbreaks may require a prescription cream or even an oral antibiotic. Antibiotic treatments will be ineffective on fungal outbreaks or rashes originating from an allergic reaction.

Anti-Fungals

• Diaper rash can develop from exposure to moisture in a closed environment.

  For skin outbreaks typically produced by environmental fungases, like warts, ring worm, athletes foot, diaper rash or even Tinea Versicolor (a whitish skin discoloration caused by a fungus), over-the-counter anti-fungal creams can be very effective and using selenium sulfide can eliminate the problem. However, if the outbreak persists or gets worse, a prescription-strength anti-fungal might be necessary.

Anti-Inflammatories

• Some kinds of acne and eczema or psoriasis that cause itching, irritation and visible inflammation of the skin will require an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the symptoms. Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams, antihistamines and ointments can be very effective and do not require a dermatologist's prescription. However, more resistant or bothersome outbreaks may require prescription-strength topical cream. In addition, your dermatologist can prescribe acrolimus and pimecrolimus, which are topical medications referred to as calcineurin inhibitors that modulate the immune response to prevent swelling and itching.

Light Therapy

• In some acne, psoriasis and rosacea cases, dermatologists will treat the affected outbreak with light therapy or phototherapy to reduce the visible signs. Phototherapy uses a "light box" that focuses high-intensity pulses of light on the affected skin areas to reach into the deeper layers of skin where the outbreak originates. The treatment can only be done by a professional and typically requires a few sessions over multiple weeks.