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Treatments for Moderate to Severe Inflammatory
Acne
Acne is one of the the most common skin diseases, and more
than 75% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 suffer from
some form of acne. As late as their 40s, adults may continue
to suffer from intermittent to serious forms of acne.
Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on
the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and
outbreaks of lesions. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe
acne
can lead to disfiguring, permanent scarring, which can be upsetting
to people who are affected by the disorder. Acne cannot be cured,
but it can be treated successfully.
Treatments for
mild and severe
acne work in one or more of the following:
- By improving the way dead skins cells exfoliate, they can’t
clog pores.
- By reducing oil production
- By reducing bacteria that causes infection
To read more on this three-step process and why it is so effective,
click here. To read about Tru-derma, our product built on this philosophy
recommended by dermatologists, click here.
There are several things to remember when treating acne. Do not pick
or pop the lesions unless under the supervision of a physician. By aggravating
the areas and creating trauma in the skin, skin based bacteria may invade
and create an infection.
Most patients with mild acne can be treated with topical agents purchased
over the counter. Washing the face once or twice daily with a mild cleanser
such as soap and water or an antiseptic wash also helps. Acne products
should be applied to all areas that are affected and not just to where
the individual breakouts are. However, when acne is more moderate or
severe, the treatments continue to include topical agents, but under
the care of a dermatologist or physician a prescription for antibiotics
such as tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline or erythromycin may be
given.
Antibiotics provide
a systemic therapy for the body, reducing the chances for bacterial
infection. In females, oestrogens and antiandrogens might be prescribed.
Estrogen, such as found in combinations of oral contraceptives, works
well in neutralizing androgens. Androgens are hormones that
flood the system during puberty and seem to stimulate excess oil production
in the sebaceous glands. For resistant acne or more severe forms of
acne a treatment of accutane might be prescribed.
Isotretinoin (also called Accutane by brand name) is a highly potent,
oral medication that is prescribed for very severe acne. It reduces
oil production, clogging of the pores and bacteria in the skin. It use
results in skin dryness; isotretinoin should be discussed at length
with a physician before its use. In women who are pregnant or trying
to become pregnant, isotretinoin use can lead to severe birth defects.
Recent studies have also linked isotretinoin to severe depression and
behavioral changes.
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Retinoids may also be used. Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin
A and the treatment may be provided as a gel or a cream and is applied
directly to the skin. Retinoids may also be prescribed as an oral
treatment. Retinoids fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and open
blocked pores.
It also causes soreness, irritation, and dry and peeling skin. **Extreme
care needs to be taken if you choose to take oral medications as many
lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Those who are prone to depression
or who are going through pressing/challenging times in their lives
should use only to topical derma treatments. For more treatment options,
click here.** WARNING: "Accutane
may cause depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide
attempts and suicide."
Sunlight is anti-inflammatory and can help briefly, although
it is more of a masking agent in darkening the skin pigmentation.
Too much exposure to the sun can lead to other skin conditions
such as premature aging and skin cancer.
Dermatologists agree that three-step acne fighting kits are an excellent
way to treat acne without the harmful side effects or dangers of oral
drugs. A 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide kit is ideal, and we strongly recommend
our solution, Tru-derma, as it is backed by all of the research and
information on the Acne-Resource Center. Click
here to learn more.
When considering treatments for more severe forms of acne, always discuss
the potential side effects with a physician. Acne cannot be cured, but
it can be effectively treated using any or all of these methods.
Other Resources:
BUPA: The Personal Health Service (http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets)
McKinley Health Center
Nutrica (Producers of Acne treatments)
Acne Management (http://www.dermnetnz.org/dna.acne/mngmt.html)
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