A look at the causes of acne and common treatments and fixes.
Acne is a very common skin disease, in which
there is an inflammation of the hair follicles and skin glands.
Specifically, it is a form mostly found in children of adolescent age
and it involves the appearance of pimples, especially on the facial
area. Some of the best acne treatments are those that address individual problems and specific acne conditions.
Treatment for mild to moderate acne includes applying topical
antibiotics such as clindamycin and erythromycin, two very effective
sources at reducing bacteria in the follicles and skin surface. Oral
antibiotics such as tetracycline and trimethroprim are also excellent
anti-inflammatories. Severe acne can be treated with systemic
antibiotics such as doxycycline and erythromycin. Treatment for cystic
or inflammatory acne include an oral drug, Isotretinoin, or Accutane,
which can be prescribed to prevent excess scarring.
If scarring does occur, there are several options to manage it.
Collagen injections can be injected into pitted acne scars, filling in
the layer of skin underneath to help raise the skin to the level of
other local tissue. Laser resurfacing is a new option used in treating
acne scarring. The procedure involves applying concentrated, short
pulsating light beams to the affected skin areas. It removes skin layer
by layer until a smooth finish is acquired.
Fraxel laser treatment has been approved by the FDA to effectively
improve the appearance of pores and acne scars. It is a noninvasive
laser therapy delivering a multitude of microscopic laser spots to the
affected areas, while keeping the unaffected areas in tact. Healthy
cells of the untouched areas promote healing to the surrounding areas
with minimal side effects.
As a last resort, laser ablative surgery can be considered. It is a
surgical procedure that involves destroying the entire epidermis by
light, then allowing it to grow back. With so many options available
for treatment, acne sufferers can manage their scarring and keep their
acne under control.
