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7 November 2005
Dermatologists Unveil Acne Options 
Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting around 85 percent of all people. And while we continue to think of acne as a problem for adolescents and young adults, some people continue to suffer from this skin problem throughout their adult lives. But new treatments, reviewed at a recent Dermatology conference, can help even the most stubborn cases of acne. "Today patients have more choices than ever before to treat acne," said dermatologist Dr. Wendy E. Roberts, from Loma Linda University Medical Center. "Since what works for one person may not work for another, it's important for patients to work with a dermatologist who can create an effective individualized treatment plan." Roberts began by explaining that there are still some areas of confusion over what exactly causes acne. She said that many people still believe that acne is caused by stress or diet. In fact, acne has three main contributing factors: the overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin; blockage of the hair follicles that release the oil; and a growth of bacteria called P. acnes within the hair follicles. Roberts then went on to outline the main options for treatment. Topical and Systemic Therapy
Many types of acne can be treated with antibiotics (either oral or topical) or topical retinoids. There are a number of ingredients that help unblock the pores and reduce bacteria, including topical retinoids, hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics. "These treatments are a cornerstone of therapy and are helpful both initially and in long-term maintenance of acne," said Roberts. "These ingredients may cause some drying and peeling, but they can achieve good results in patients, even those with moderate to severe inflammatory acne." Retinoids are powerful drugs, and while they can be very effective, it's important to liaise closely with your doctor because of possible side effects. Often, the effectiveness of topical retinoids can be enhanced when combined with oral treatments. These combination therapies allow all of the factors causing acne to be targeted, making the treatment plan more successful. "Combination therapies should be discussed with a dermatologist who can recommend the most effective treatment after evaluating important factors such as the type and degree of acne, the patient's skin characteristics and environmental factors," said Roberts. Cosmetic Procedures
Oral and topical antibiotics or topical retinoids in conjunction with a chemical peel have also been found to be effective in managing acne. Chemical peel solutions with glycolic acid or salicylic acid are applied to the skin to exfoliate and help to unblock the pores, open the blackheads and whiteheads and stimulate new skin growth. This promotes the penetration of topical medications and also may treat blemishes which result from breakouts. Microdermabrasion (similar to chemical peeling) results in superficial exfoliation of the skin and can improve irregularities in the skin's surface to help enhance the penetration of topical treatments. "Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are minimally invasive, produce almost no discomfort and involve almost no recovery or down-time for the patient," noted Roberts. "These procedures are best used in combination with other acne treatments. And because these procedures help smooth the skin's surface, they can help diminish scars created by acne." Laser and Light-based Therapies
Laser and light treatments can specifically target two of the factors that cause acne. Lasers use heat to damage the oil glands. Photodynamic therapy, a light-based treatment, uses the combination of a photosensitizing medication on the skin that is then treated with a light to target the oil glands and P. acnes bacteria. Both of these therapies reduce the overproduction of oil which helps diminish, and sometimes completely remove, acne. "These therapies are non-invasive and cause minimal pain and discomfort to the patient," said Roberts. "Lasers also promote collagen formation and renewal which regenerates new skin and also can be used to treat acne scarring." But whatever you do, don't squeeze them, said Roberts. "To help prevent acne scars, do not pop, squeeze or pick at acne and seek treatment early for acne that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications," she concluded. Source: American Academy of Dermatology
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