Acne problem? You are at right place...: Doctor

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What can your dermatologist do for your acne?

Posted on 10:23 AM No Comments
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There are many different types of acne, ranging from the mild inflammatory kind characterized by a few whiteheads and blackheads to the more severe cystic acne. See your doctor as early as possible to find the right treatment to control your breakouts and minimize scarring. Your doctor may wish to send you to a dermatologist.

Medications
Mild acne: Characterized by a few surface whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules. Over-the-counter or prescription topical (skin-applied) medications containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are usually recommended. Don't overdo it with these medications, because skin irritation, redness, and peeling may occur. If these problems don't go away, talk to your doctor about using a lower strength or trying a different product. These products need to be used regularly, and it may take at least 6 weeks to notice a difference. If you don't see any improvement, seek advice from your dermatologist.

Moderate-to-severe acne: Characterized by numerous whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules. Prescription medications such as topical antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline), topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and over-the-counter topical acne medications are used alone or in combination.

Severe nodular or cystic acne: Characterized by deep cysts, inflammation, and extensive damage to the skin and scarring. Isotretinoin (Accutane®), a vitamin A analog that is taken regularly for 15 to 20 weeks, is usually recommended. The acne will go away in about 90% of people, but make sure to discuss with your dermatologist the serious side effects associated with this medication. It is important for women of childbearing age not to be pregnant or get pregnant while taking this medicine. Oral contraceptives and oral antibiotics may be recommended as well.

Cosmetic procedures
Chemical peels: Chemical peels improve overall skin tone and luster and decrease the number of whiteheads and blackheads but do little for scars. Peels can be painful and may take a few days to heal.

Laser resurfacing: Laser resurfacing improves the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and scars. A laser is used to remove areas of damaged skin. Although complications are rare, burning, scarring, and permanent depigmentation can occur. The skin may appear slightly red for days to weeks after the procedure.

What can the doctor do for acne?

Posted on 9:30 AM No Comments
Labels: Doctor

If you haven't been able to control your acne adequately, you may want to consult a primary care physician or dermatologist. Here are some of the things they can assist with:

Topical (externally applied) antibiotics and antibacterials: These include erythromycin, clindamycin (Benzaclin), sulfacetamide (Klaron), and azelaic acid (Azelex).
Retinoids: Retin-A (tretinoin) has been around for years, and has become milder and gentler while still maintaining its effectiveness. Newer retinoids include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). These medications are especially helpful for unclogging pores. Side effects may include irritation and mild increase in sensitivity to the sun. Wit proper sun protection, however, they can be used even during sunny periods. For more, please read the Sunburn and Sun-Sensitizing Drugs article.
Oral antibiotics: Most doctors start treatment with tetracycline or one of the related "cyclines," such as doxycycline and minocycline. Other oral antibiotics that are useful for treating acne are cefadroxil, amoxicillin, and the sulfa drugs.

Problems with these drugs can include allergic reactions (especially sulfa), gastrointestinal upset, and increased sun sensitivity. Doxycycline, in particular, is generally safe but can sometime cause esophagitis (irritation of the esophagus, producing discomfort when swallowing) and an increased tendency to sunburn.
Despite many people's concerns about using oral antibiotics for several months or longer, such use does not “weaken the immune system” and make them more susceptible to infections, or unable to use other antibiotics when necessary.
Recently published reports that long-term antibiotic use may increase the risk of breast cancer will require further study, but at present are not substantiated. In general, doctors prescribe oral antibiotic therapy for acne only when necessary and for as short a time as possible.
Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives, which are low in estrogen to promote safety, have little effect on acne one way or the other. Some contraceptive pills have been to shown to have modest effectiveness in treating acne.
Cortisone Injections: To make large pimples and cysts flatten out fast, doctors inject them with a form of cortisone.
Laser treatments: Recent years have brought reports of success in treating acne using lasers and similar devices, alone or in conjunction with photosensitizing dyes. It appears that these treatments are safe and can be effective. However, what isn't clear at this time, is how long the effects will last. In addition, health insurers do not generally reimburse for these procedures, so they can be costly. At this point they are best thought of as adjuncts to conventional therapy, rather than as substitutes.
Chemical peels: Whether the superficial peels (like glycolic acid) performed by Estheticians, or deeper ones performed in the doctor's office, chemical peels are of modest, supportive benefit only, and in general do not substitute for regular therapy.