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The Latest Acne Research

Acne research is an ongoing part of dermatology studies throughout the world. Among the current treatments for acne that are being researched are:

- Antibiotics
- Laser Surgery
- Viral Therapy
- Isotretinoin Studies
- Hormone Supression
- Benzoyl Peroxide Exfoliators/Toners/Prevention Creams (highly recommended)

Antibiotics are one of the few effective treatments for acne. New research published in U.S.A. Today in May of 2004 indicates that a specific bacterium is associated with severe acne. These Propionibacterium acnes are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatments. The researchers believe that the trend indicates antibiotics will become less useful in clinical treatment of acne in the future. Alternative therapies and other non-antibiotic treatments were recommended rather than relying only on antibiotics for treating severe acne.

Meanwhile, British researchers have discovered that a laser used to treat other skin problems such as wrinkles and scars appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of acne. The researchers published their findings in The Lancet and found that one 15-minute treatment with the laser reduced the overall severity of 31 acne patients and none suffered any negative effects. 10 other patients received placebo laser treatment and showed no signs of improvement at all, validating the research.

The benefits of laser technology in the treatment of acne are enormous. Treatments that do not rely on invasive procedures, such as puncturing acne lesions, antibiotics, or hormonal therapies could be the wave of the future. Research continues into why the laser induces the production of chemicals that reduce inflammation and prevents acne spots from developing.

Scientists at the University of Leeds have found that a bacteriophage, a virus that consumes bacteria, naturally found on the skin attacks and destroys the bacterium that contributes to the formation of acne. The University’s findings show promise in the idea of using a naturally occurring virus to attack the bacteria that contributes to acne. All research on this particular treatment has occurred only in the laboratory and the next step will be clinical trials on human volunteers.

Studies focus on the drug isotretinoin that is prescribed to aid patients who suffer from severe nodular and cystic acne. These violent outbreaks can lead to disfiguring scars if left untreated. Isotretinoin is an effective treatment that a patient takes for 16 to nearly half a year, and usually shows remarkable results in clearing up the acne. However, isotretinoin use has been linked to severe depression, psychological dysfunction, and suicide, side effects that are extremely dangerous.

Research in this pharmaceutical area focuses on the chemical triggers that isotretinoin affects, and what can be done to make the drug treatment safer for patients. One side effect of isotretinoin is that it causes severe birth defects if taken while pregnant.

The most available and best treatment option out there is actually over the counter in the form of 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide topical dermal creams. Studies have shown that 2.5%, if delivered appropriately, has the effects of 5-10% Benzoyl Peroxide without drying the skin. Many dermatoligists agree that the best way to treat acne is with a simple three-step solution. Generally, this will include a Benzoyl Peroxide exfoliating agent which removes dead and dirty skin, followed by a toner cream which actually fights the bacteria, and a repair and prevention 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide cream which stays on throughout the day to prevent acne from returning. This is a very popular solution because it generally works within only 20-30 days. We personally recommend our effective three-step kit, Tru-derma, which we have built to stringently conform to the specifications of medical professionals, drematoligists. To jump to information on Tru-derma, click here.

The field of acne research, both in treatment and causality, is a large and growing field. The benefit of this research includes everyone who is at risk for acne, which is the majority of the population.

WARNING: "Accutane may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide."

Other Resources:

Web MD
“PA” News: http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm
UAB Health System (http://www.healthnewsflash.com)
American Academy of Dermatology

 

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