What is Acne?
Acne is one of the most common of all skin problems, characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and, in some people, deep painful bumps that look and feel like boils. When it’s severe, acne can cause permanent scarring of the skin. And those are just the physical problems.
What are the treatment options?
There are many acne treatment options available. During your consultation, we can discuss what options will best suit your needs. Acne treatments may include any of the following:
Medication & Skin Care Products
Several types of topical prescription medicines are used to treat acne. Topical Antibiotics can stop, slow, and prevent bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. Topical Retinoids are medicines made from Vitamin A that are effective in treating whiteheads and blackheads by opening clogged pores. Dermatologists claim that topical retinoids work to normalize the life cycle of the pilosebaceous unit (follicle and sebaceous glands). There are also many Skin Care Products available today that specialize in the treatment of acne.
During your consultation, we will work with you to determine the right course of action and regimen that’s best for you.
Age, hormones, medications, cosmetics, the environment and stress all have an impact on the sebaceous hair follicle units. Acne starts when the following conditions occur:
- The upper portion of the hair follicle becomes plugged, causing whiteheads and black heads
- Circulating androgens stimulate the oil glands to release sebum. This, in turn, causes the overgrowth of P. acnes bacteria, which then produces an inflammatory response that results in deep red papules, pustules and nodules.
The acne treatment is used to target the basic causes. Topical agents can be used to treat mild to moderate acne. These can be classified in the following ways:
- Plug busting (tretinoin, adapalene)
- Bacterial busting (clindamycin, erythromycin)
- Both (benzoyl peroxide)
For moderate to severe acne, systemic acne treatment is necessary and includes:
- Oral antibiotics that suppress the growth of P. acnes
- Antiandrogens which target the oil gland to suppress the production of sebum
- Isotretinoin which targets both hair follicles and oil glands. This is reserved for treatment of resistant acne
Lastly, since the skin is affected by its surroundings, lifestyle changes, and good skin care using non-comedogenic products are important in the management of this disease.