Acne is the most common reason for problematic skin in the 12-30 year age group. Over 85% of patients within this age group experience acne and many experience the loss of confidence and self-esteem it generates.
The good news is that excellent treatments exist to control acne and prevent scarring. Some therapies if started early on in the condition can bring about lasting improvement and potential cure.
Acne is an oil gland problem. It is nothing to do with unwashed or dirty skin. The hormone Androgen - found in both males and females, stimulates the oil glands to become active causing the pores to block and plug. Bacteria then proliferate in the stagnant plugged pore, causing red bumps and cysts. If the cysts are deep within the skin they can rupture and produce permanent scarring.
A family history of acne and stress are the two commonest reasons for acne problems.
Acne is graded into mild, moderate and severe.
For mild cases of acne try the following over the counter products. These can be effective if used consistently. Always read and follow the product instructions.
Acne treatment for youthful skin available at the LCD
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- Use an exfoliative cleanser to clear plugged pores: Clear Pore wash (Neotrogena), Acnisal
- Apply 2.5% - 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel every evening
- Apply glycolic acid product every morning
Moderate acne or cases that are not responding to over-the-counter treatments require a dermatology consultation before scarring and loss of confidence occur. There are many prescription only products that we can safely advise you about.
Vitamin A acids - Retinoic acids
- Retin-A
- Differin (Adapalene)
Topical antibiotics
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Clindamycin
- Erthromycin
Some products have active agents mixed together Benzamycin gel, Zineryt.
Oral antibiotics
A four month course is recommended for non responders to topical antibiotic therapy. Commonly used ones include lymecycline, doxycycline, minicycline and erythromycin.
A four month course is recommended for non responders to topical antibiotic therapy. Commonly used ones include lymecycline, doxycycline, minicycline and erythromycin.
Birth control pills
The oral contraceptives, Diannette and Yasmin, are both used to treat acne in women who do not wish to take antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately in some they are unsuitable because of side-effects i.e. weight gain.
The oral contraceptives, Diannette and Yasmin, are both used to treat acne in women who do not wish to take antibiotic therapy. Unfortunately in some they are unsuitable because of side-effects i.e. weight gain.
For severe acne, or moderate acne that has failed to improve with standard antibiotic therapy and is causing scarring and/or mental health problems. We treat patients in this category with:
Roaccutane Therapy
This is the most powerful of all acne medications and is the one treatment that can produce a cure in certain selected patients. It is a Vitamin A derivative and does have side-effects, the majority of which are safe and predictable. It requires close monitoring with blood tests and physical examinations monthly for the duration of treatment. Female patients have to avoid pregnancy and take two forms of contraceptive if they are sexually active. This is because Vitamin A is a potent teratogen and may induce thalidomide like birth defects if taken during pregnancy. In males mood alteration is possible but usually only in patients or families with mental health histories.
It should be noted that despite press reports suicide is a very rare event in patients who take Roaccutane. It should be remembered that teenagers have the highest suicide for whatever reason in society. Also it is as common in acne patients who take antibiotics as those that take Roaccutane. In general patients with untreated acne commit suicide more frequently sadly than those who are receiving treatment. Let us explain the risks of this excellent therapy so that you can make a fully informed decision.
Nlite laser therapy
This non-ablative (non-cutting) laser is used to control and eradicate acne in suitable patients. The laser light targets a chemical within a bacterium within the oil gland. This bacterium attracts the laser light and energy associated with it and blows itself within the oil gland, hence destroying the gland. This is the very latest technological advance in treating acne and acne scarring. It is combined with microdermabrasion to enhance its benefits on acne skin. Ask one of our staff for further details.
Medical aesthetician and acne patients
Additionally our medical aesthetician can augment any improvement by using combination microdermabrasion and glycolic acid peeling to maintain your skin looking its best.
Roaccutane Therapy
This is the most powerful of all acne medications and is the one treatment that can produce a cure in certain selected patients. It is a Vitamin A derivative and does have side-effects, the majority of which are safe and predictable. It requires close monitoring with blood tests and physical examinations monthly for the duration of treatment. Female patients have to avoid pregnancy and take two forms of contraceptive if they are sexually active. This is because Vitamin A is a potent teratogen and may induce thalidomide like birth defects if taken during pregnancy. In males mood alteration is possible but usually only in patients or families with mental health histories.
It should be noted that despite press reports suicide is a very rare event in patients who take Roaccutane. It should be remembered that teenagers have the highest suicide for whatever reason in society. Also it is as common in acne patients who take antibiotics as those that take Roaccutane. In general patients with untreated acne commit suicide more frequently sadly than those who are receiving treatment. Let us explain the risks of this excellent therapy so that you can make a fully informed decision.
Nlite laser therapy
This non-ablative (non-cutting) laser is used to control and eradicate acne in suitable patients. The laser light targets a chemical within a bacterium within the oil gland. This bacterium attracts the laser light and energy associated with it and blows itself within the oil gland, hence destroying the gland. This is the very latest technological advance in treating acne and acne scarring. It is combined with microdermabrasion to enhance its benefits on acne skin. Ask one of our staff for further details.
Medical aesthetician and acne patients
Additionally our medical aesthetician can augment any improvement by using combination microdermabrasion and glycolic acid peeling to maintain your skin looking its best.
