Azelaic acid ( ay-ze-LAY-ik AS-id) is used to treat mild to moderate acne. It works in part by stopping the growth of skin bacteria that can help cause acne. Azelaic acid also helps to lessen acne by keeping skin pores (tiny openings on the skin's surface) clear. Azelaic acid is available only with a doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

• Topical
• Cream (U.S.)

Clindamycin, an antibiotic, is used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, pelvis, vagina, and abdomen. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses eg acne; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Oral contraceptives (birth-control pills) are used to prevent pregnancy. Estrogen and progestin are two female sex hormones. Combinations of estrogen and progestin work by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs from the ovaries).They also change the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy from developing and change the mucus at the cervix (opening of the uterus) to prevent sperm (male reproductive cells) from entering. Oral contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)] and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Some brands of oral contraceptives are also used to treat acne in certain patients. Oral contraceptives work to treat acne by decreasing the amounts of certain natural substances that can cause acne.

Tazarotene ( ta-ZAR-oh-teen) is used to treat acne on the face and and to treat psoriasis.

It works to help clear acne on the face partly by keeping skin pores clear. It works in the treatment of psoriasis by making the skin less red and reducing the number and size of lesions of the skin.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form(s):

• Topical
• Gel (U.S.)
• Cream (U.S.)

Tretinoin is used to treat acne. It promotes peeling of affected skin areas and unclogs pores. Tretinoin controls acne but does not cure it.