Combination therapy

Combination therapy usually employed when patients have a mixture of blackhead, whitehead and inflammatory acne. In most cases, it is  implemented to those individuals who  have   severe acne that is not responding to any  single treatment option alone. The process of combination of therapy is using of more than one acne compounds for the treatment of acne. 

Combination of therapy methods can vary depending on dermatologist recommendations. Usually, it consists of antibiotics and a topical solution such as  combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin.   

How it works?

The use of combination of therapy is effective in eliminating acne because of its effect in reducing inflammation and also destroying the sources of acne. This implies, you are attacking the acne from different direction, for example, using of a topical retinoid to reduce inflammation or using an antibiotic to treat bacteria and or use of a cleanser and acne gel. 

How long will it take to see results?

The time it takes to see a perfect result when using combination of therapies depends on a number of factors such as the treatment type used and the type of acne. However, it usually takes from one month to two months. Until you find the right combination for your acne, you have to try different options with the help of your dermatologists.  

There are large number of acne treatment options available in the market. As a result, it is difficult to compare various combination therapies. Here are some of the lists of combination therapy to treat acne.

Combination therapy using erythromycin  and  benzoyl peroxide

• Of the many combinations of therapies, 3 % erythromycin  and 5 % benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin) is an extremely effective acne treatment.
• This mixture is then applied to affected places daily. This combination has been shown to be better to either product alone.
  

Combination therapy using clindamycin  and  benzoyl peroxide

• The combination of 5 % benzoyl peroxide and 1 % clindamycin gel is superior acne treatment.  
• This combination are effective in the treatment of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
  

Other Combination therapies...

• Tretinoin, adapalene or azelaic acid are another groups of ingredients used for topical acne treatment. Each of them may be combined with benzoyl peroxide or a topical antibiotic.
• Applying tretinoin alone cause more irritation to the skin than combination of clindamycin and tretinoin.
• In order to minimise irritation, the patient should alternate using tretinoin and the benzoyl peroxide–erythromycin combination together, daily for a minimum of two weeks.
  

Why combination of therapies are essential?

Other combination products such as benzoyl peroxide + antibiotic or retinoid + antibiotic have also influential functions in the treatment of acne. Some of the functions include:

• The combined use of topical antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide can reduce bacterial resistance.
• Improves treatment of multiple pathogenic factors that are complementary and synergistic in mechanisms of action
• It makes treatment regimen simpler and also reduces frequency of dosing.
• The combined efficacy of this product is greater than the agent alone
• Can be used to gel formulations.

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