Acne is a common skin condition which effects millions of patients. Acne is commonly thought to be something teenagers get and will outgrow, however, acne in the adult population, particularly adult females is also very common. Acne occurs in areas of the skin where the concentration of oil glands is the highest, mainly the face, chest and back. Acne is a multifactorial process meaning that many factors play a part in the condition. With the onset of puberty, rising hormone levels cause oil glands to enlarge and produce excess oil. Additionally, the cells lining the pores of patients with acne do not slough normally, allowing microscopic clogs to form. From here, several things can happen. The plug can enlarge and form a blackhead or whitehead. Bacteria beneath the plug can replicate leading to inflammation and a red bump or “pimple”. Finally a plugged pore can become severely inflamed or even rupture leading to an acne “cyst”. It is unclear why some patients develop acne and others do not. It is also unclear why the type of acne lesions seen varies so widely from patient to patient and why some lead to scarring.
While not technically causing acne, there are several factors that can exacerbate or worsen it including stress, a poor diet, and improper skin care. Our staff is happy to recommend a skin regimen that will complement your other acne treatments.
Treatments
Just as acne is a multifactorial condition, the treatments for it vary as well. There is no single treatment or even group of treatments that works for every patient. Our doctors will examine your skin and taking note of your medical history and prior treatments, prescribe a personalized treatment plan unique to you. Because all acne treatments work to prevent further breakouts as opposed to clearing up existing lesions, it takes a minimum of two months to see significant improvement and to judge whether a particular therapy is working for you. Because of this it is important to be patient and consistent with the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor.
Treatment of Acne Scars
Acne scarring is permanent but can be treated. No treatment is 100% effective and the best result is improvement, not perfection. Optimum improvement often requires many different treatment approaches, depending on the kind and severity of scarring present. It is important that the acne is controlled before treatments are begun. Otherwise, new scars may form.
- Topical retinoids such as Retin A or Tazorac
- Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide
- Medicated acne washes
- Topical peeling agents such as salicylic or glycolic acid
- Oral contraceptives to manage hormone levels
- Oral therapy with Spironolactone to decrease hormone levels
- Oral antibiotics
- Accutane therapy for severe , resistant or scarring acne.
- In addition to these options we offer several treatments and proceduires that may be recommended to heal your acne.
Chemical Peels: A series of salicylic or TCA peels can help to clear the skin more quickly than with traditional therapies alone. This is very helpful if you have an upcoming special event. Peels are prescribed by our doctors and performed by our nurses or licensed estheticians. They are not covered by medical insurance but are priced reasonably and offer a great value to the patient.
Microdermabrasion can help clear acne and help prepare the skin and make it more responsive to chemical peels, topical therapy and photodynamic therapy.
PhotoDynamic Treatment with Levulan and Blu-U Light is an exciting new option for the treatment of acne. Results are varied and not usually covered by insurance, however in some cases patients have had such positive results that it has eliminated the need for Accutane. This treatment can also be safely administered to women suffering from acne who are pregnant.