Often it isn't a prescribed medicine or medical treatment that has the greatest and most beneficial effect on acne, as much as the manner in which the sufferer applies advice and procedures recommended by doctors and other medical professionals. These tips will help you get the best from your prescribed treatments:

* Because acne is known to have several very different and unassociated causes, the sufferer may have to undergo numerous medications and treatments at the same time. Treatments can interact and provide cumulative benefits which are unlikely from individual treatments. The patient must therefore follow the rules for all appropriate treatments, including applying medication in precise measure, keeping adequate supplies of various treatments, and keeping all appointments with medical professionals.

* Medicines and applications must be used as prescribed and not skimped or over-delivered. That's because there's a delicate balance between achieving a quick cure or finding no cure at all.

* Do not mix over-the-counter treatments with prescriptions from doctors and other qualified medical advisors.

* Be advised by qualified people and give old wives' tales and myths a wide berth.

* Follow your doctor's instructions precisely, both verbally and on product packaging. If a product provides fast relief that does not mean it will work better and faster with bigger doses. More likely abusing your doctor's recommended dosage could worsen your acne or have other life-threatening consequences.

* If you do not understand something your doctor says or writes on your prescription, ask either the doctor, or your pharmacist. Alternatively, make another appointment with your doctor to ask your questions, or get your doctor's secretary to convey the question and have your doctor call you back with the answer.