You CAN Cure Acne With Lifestyle Changes

Author: Anonymousbr
Source: free-articlesbr
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New York, NY June 26, 2004 — (Advanced Dermatology PC) The medical community is always searching for a โ€œmagic bulletโ€ treatment that can cure any host of ills without delivering a laundry list of side effects. While dermatology experts are stopping short of using that term to describe Aminolevulinic Acid, they are finding that the drug can be highly effective in the treatment of numerous skin conditions, with only a few mild side effects.

Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), an FDA approved treatment, in concert with Photodynamic (light) Therapy (PDT) is used to treat Actinic Keratoses which are skin lesions that can lead to skin cancer. Dermatologists and researchers across the country have been studying its effectiveness in resolving other skin conditions, with positive results. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, such investigational use of ALA with short-contact PDT can help to resolve moderate to severe cystic acne, rough and discolored sun-damaged skin, rosacea, severely oily skin, and some types of warts, achieving success rates between 25% and 90% in small-scale studies and single-practice surveys. (The AAD has recently called on the National Institutes of Health to engage full clinical trials of ALA-PDT therapy on these conditions.)

Joshua Fox, M.D., founder and director of Advanced Dermatology P.C. and a leading dermatological expert, believes that one of the most important benefits of ALA therapy is the absence of reported harsh or long-term side effects. He explains, โ€œMany patients with severe cystic acne, rosacea and other serious skin conditions are prescribed antibiotics or isotretinoin โ€ or both โ€ as primary long-term treatments. Antibiotics are often ineffective, though, and can lead to immune resistance problems in the long run, as well as the questioned association with breast cancer, while the use of isotretinoin has been linked to a variety of difficulties, from headaches and fatigue to dry skin and vision troubles, birth defects and rarely suicide.โ€

Patients undergoing ALA therapy with short-contact laser therapy, on the other hand, are likely to experience only slight tingling or burning at the therapy site, and some mild swelling for a few days after treatment is complete. According to a study published in the January/February 2004 issue of the Journal of Drugs for Dermatology, researchers at the University of Montreal Medical Centre found no long-term negative effects of ALA-PDT therapy, even when used on large surface areas of the skin.

According to Dr. Fox, ALA-PDT is a classic example of a combination therapy, because neither step alone is as effective as both steps are together. Heres how it works: a solution of the Aminolevulinic Acid is applied to the affected areas of pre-skin cancers of the skin for a period of 20-60 minutes and removed with a sterile swab. The skin is then exposed briefly to a special blue light or laser, which activates the drug. โ€œWhen the ALA is activated by the laser, it generates a toxic reaction within the diseased pre-cancerous cells, and they die off โ€ a process called necrosis,โ€ Dr. Fox explains. Because practitioners are able to pinpoint the therapy only to the affected areas of the skin, patients are free from the worries and discomforts often associated with systemic necrotic therapies like topical chemotherapy that may blister and crust much of the face. โ€œThere is much less โ€˜collateral damage โ€ healthy cell destruction โ€ and faster healing – with ALA-PDT therapy,โ€ Dr. Fox adds.

โ€œAminolevulinic Acid and Photodynamic Therapy offers patients with a variety of other dermatological issues hope,โ€ Dr. Fox concludes. โ€œSome of these conditions are both disfiguring and painful, and often the standard treatments for them can add even more discomfort. ALA-PDT therapy, on the other hand, offers an effective alternative that can be quickly and safely administered by a dermatologist, and is measurably gentler to the patient.โ€

Bio: Joshua L. Fox, M.D.

Joshua L. Fox, M.D. is a leading authority in the field of dermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, and laser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topics for numerous television networks including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, Telemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. Dr. Fox has served on the board of the National Rosacea Foundation and has done clinical trials in both medical and laser therapy in Rosacea. He has received multiple research and clinical awards including recognition from Top Doctors, Whos Who, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award as well certificates of recognition for service from multiple hospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Fox has authored and presented papers of his research on lasers, cosmetic procedures, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites, photosensitivity and various rashes.

As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and associates have expanded the practice to the one of largest in dermatology, laser cosmetic surgery with more lasers than any hospital or dermatology practice on the eastern coast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University Medical Center of Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of the Psoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation among others. He has also been a fellow of many societies including the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Queens, New York since 1987. Dr. Fox has been Chief of Dermatology of several major teaching hospitals including Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center and is currently on the staff of ten NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox and Advanced Dermatology the Center for Laser Cosmetic Surgery have been used as a resource center educating dermatologists, laser surgeons, cosmetic surgeons and others about lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery.br
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Author: William Nelsonbr
Source: articleage.combr
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Every year there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and
colon cancers combined. One in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime.
90% of skin cancers are caused by excessive sun exposure, yet fewer than 33
percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use sun protection.
Cancer prevention and early detection techniques could eliminate up to 100,000
cancer cases and 60,000 US cancer deaths each year. New technologies in the
evaluation and treatment of sun damaged skin could have a positive impact on
changing these statistics.
The same sunny weather that attracts so many tourists and new residents to the
sun-belt also increases the risk of skin cancer. The effects of chronic sun exposure
result in superficial sun spots that are visible and also invisible changes that occur
under the skins surface. Ultraviolet photography and photodynamic therapy (PDT)
are two recent developments that should help in the early detection and treatment
of both types of pre-cancerous skin lesions.
Early Detection with UV Photography
Ultraviolet (UV) photography offers a very useful screening tool to help the skilled
physician detect sun damaged skin that may not be visible upon a routine
examination.
Visual inspection can only detect changes on the skins surface, but damage due to
sun exposure occurs beneath the outer layer of skin,
The UV camera briefly shines ultraviolet light on the face. UV light is able to
penetrate 1.5-2.0 millimeters under the visible dead layer of skin and focus on the
actual living portion where sun damage originates. The advantage to the doctor and
the patient is that this technology allows for much earlier detection of skin problems
before they develop into pre-cancers that are visible on the skins surface. After
finishing the treatment plan, the doctor should take another UV photo to verify the
treatment efficacy. UV photography also helps evaluate other skin conditions
including acne, oil balance, hydration, inflammation, growths, fungi, pH, and thin
skin due to reduced collagen which makes it an ideal tool to evaluate all problem
skin.
After the damage to the deeper layers of skin, superficial signs of sun damage may
eventually appear on the surface. The most common surface lesion is known as
actinic keratoses (AK). AKs usually appear as rough or scaly patches. They may also
flake, crust, and may temporarily disappear and then return.
An AK is most likely to appear on the face, ears, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and
forearms, shoulders, and lips – the parts of the body most often exposed to
sunshine. The scaly patch may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, or a combination of
these…or the same color as your skin.
It is estimated that 10-20% of untreated AKs will develop into squamous cell
cancers. If treated early, almost all AKs can be eliminated without becoming skin
cancers. If you have AKs, it indicates that you have sustained sun damage and have
a higher risk for developing all types of skin cancer – not just squamous cell
carcinoma.
The more keratoses a person has, the greater the chance that one or more may turn
into skin cancer. People may also have up to 10 times as many subclinical (invisible)
lesions as visible, surface lesions. These invisible lesions were undetectable until
the development of the UV camera.
Treatment options
The most common treatment options for AKs have traditionally involved topical
ointment 5-FU (Effudex), laser resurfacing, or chemical peels. To avoid the
prolonged recovery period and possible scarring associated with these techniques,
photodynamic therapy has been developed.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the treatment of choice for the invisible deeper sun
damage as well as the visible pre-cancerous AK lesions. PDT involves a two step
process that has been proven effective in clinical testing. This treatment cleared
100% of the AKs in 2/3 of the patients after one treatment.
The first step is the application of a topical solution called Levulan. Abnormal cells
have a much greater affinity for the solution and absorb it while the healthy cells do
not. The solution is left on for an incubation period lasting anywhere from 15
minutes to 18 hours.
The second step of PDT is to apply a concentrated light source to activate the
chemical reaction which destroys the abnormal cells. Since the solution is absorbed
only in the damaged cells, the healthy cells are not affected. This process can cause
a mild burning sensation during the treatment. Usually, this improves immediately
after treatment and ends within 24 hours.
Following the treatment, most patients experience mild swelling, redness, and a
peeling of the AK lesions and the surrounding tissue. Patients choosing a more
aggressive treatment will experience more peeling and/or crusting of the damaged
skin that resolves within in one or two weeks. The doctor can easily control the
severity of these reactions by limiting the incubation period and the amount of
exposure to the light source.
Patients not willing to experience a prolonged recovery time after the procedure
may choose a more mild treatment and return to work after a day or two. The
tradeoff is that they will require more treatments to achieve the same clinical
results.
In addition to eliminating AKs and the subsurface skin damage, PDT has also been
effective in improving the appearance of the skin by greatly reducing moderate to
severe acne (including cystic acne), reducing color splotches, lessening the fine
lines, and decreasing pore size.
Anyone who currently has, has had, or wants to prevent AKs or pre-cancerous skin
lesions should be evaluated and treated using UV photography and photodynamic
therapy (PDT). Once a person has been successfully treated using this approach, it
is recommended they return for a yearly follow up to prevent future problems.
William Nelson, NMD is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a member of the
American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Nelson specializes in treating
problem skin, reducing cellulite, and obesity by combining the latest medical
advances with safe, non-invasive natural therapies to improve the looks and the
health of his clients. Dr. Nelson is accepting new patients in his Scottsdale. He can
be reached at (480) 612-5048. http://www.iclearacne.combr
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Author: CD Mohattabr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Acne and treatments-

Acne has many treatments. Being a very common problem, people have found their own ways of treating acne. Some of them dont cure acne but may further damage the skin. Many of us believe that acne can be treated by getting exposed to sun, but is it true? Let us find out the truth.

Acne- causes

Once we know about what causes acne, we can find out if sunshine affects any of them. The causes of acne are very simple. Because of hormonal changes and sometime pressure or chemicals, body produces more sebum. The gland keeps on producing sebum, but the gland opening gets closed with dead skin. This makes the gland expand like a balloon. The bacteria P.acnes infects the gland and inflames it. This gland forms the acne. If the infection is not severe you will call it black head or white heads, otherwise pimples, cystic acne etc.

Acne – treatments-

Every acne treatment tries to address one or more of the causes of acne formation. Sunlight does not address any of the causes. What it does is to either burn the skin or tan it. With tanned look, acne looks less apparent and we believe that it is going away. But that is not true. Rather sun damages the skin and may cause early wrinkles, aging and even cancer. Please consult your doctor about acne treatment and stop believing that sun can cure it.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article./pbr
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Author: JasonJbr
Source: articleage.combr
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You want a wrinkle free skin? Check out the following options that you have to keep your skin wrinkle free.

Retinols

Retinol is the principle Vitamin A, and fills all the roles that Vitamin A plays metabolically. Vitamin A used in the treatment of the skin conditions, cystic acne and psoriasis. Many Vitamin A effects are hormone-like, influencing the growth and differential of cells. Vitamin A can also be considered a biological response modifier. Retinol works by speeding up the cellular turnover rate, which allows the healthier cells to work their way up to the surface faster and by decreasing the activity of the destructive enzyme collagens.

Collagen

Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 1/4 of the total. It is one of the long, fibrous structural proteins whose functions are quite different from those of globular proteins such as enzymes. Collagen is an important source of moisture for the skin, and is particularly effective if it can develop its effect from directly within the body.

Hormones

A hormone, such as insulin or estrogen, is a substance released by an organ or tissue that controls the activity of organs or cells in another part of the body. Of all hormones that decline with age, estrogens have the most dramatic effect on the skin. Estriol is the weakest of the estrogens. As a topical treatment for the skin, estriol has been used to manage the effects of aging and menopause. This includes not only the anti-aging benefits like decreasing facial wrinkles and smoothing skin, but also an assortment of benefits that stem from helping to maintain healthy skin in the vagina, cervix, vulva, and urethra.

Scientific studies validate that diminishing hormone levels play a significant factor in aging of facial skin and that estriol represents a new and promising therapeutic approach.

Remember that if you are using an Estrogen Patch, it may have side effects like skin redness and irritation at the site of the patch

One way to help skin retain the estrogen it needs for collagen production is by topically applying low levels of natural bio-identical estrogens on the face.

For further details visit http://www.best-anti-wrinkle-cream.info/br
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Author: Anonymousbr
Source: free-articlesbr
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Tearoses.com gets many skincare related questions each week. One recent e-mail asked, Dear Elisabeth, should we exfoliate or have skin-peels when our complexion becomes thin with age? Laura (not her real name) wanted to know if exfoliation or peels make the skin even thinner, more fragile, and prone to wrinkles.

This is an important question. Certain people should not exfoliate or have skin peels, unless they are prescribed or performed by their medical doctor or dermatologist. These include, but are not limited to: individuals suffering from rosacea, pustuler or cystic acne, cuts, bruises, open sores, wounds, oozing, bleeding, eczema, dermatitis, rashes, psoriasis, active cold sores, warts, moles, scars, lesions, or any other skin condition. Other contraindications are people who are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition including, but not limited to: diabetes, skin cancer, port wine stains, broken capillaries, vitiligo, pigmentation problems, lupus, or those taking certain medications such as oral blood thinners. In addition, those who have very dry, thin, or fragile skin should not exfoliate, or have skin peels. As always, your doctor can advise you.

Individuals in good general health, whose skin is not compromised, or at risk, can benefit from skin resurfacing procedures such as exfoliation or skin peels. These procedures, when done correctly, can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish brown spots as well as improve skin surface texture and tone. They will not remove all facial flaws or prevent aging.

It is important to understand that exfoliation or skin peels should be done on an as needed basis; when skin looks dull or congested and needs to be revitalized. People who over-exfoliate, use harsh skin care products, or constantly get peels are simply irritating and inflaming their skin. This leads to redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and possible scarring. Some research has linked chronic or long-term skin irritation to premature aging.

When you work in the beauty industry you hear a lot of stories. One of my favorite tales concerns a famous 1940s movie star. This glamour girl was in the habit of rubbing her facial skin raw every night. She believed that vigorously scrubbing with a wet washcloth would preserve her looks. Each morning when she reported to the studio, a team of exasperated Hollywood makeup artists and technicians would need to camouflage the damage she did to her skin. They used a combination of heavy cosmetics and special lighting to give her the flawless look she portrayed in movies and publicity photos.

As you can see, skin can be irritated, inflamed, over-exfoliated, or simply rubbed raw from any number of products or techniques. Using one or more harsh, drying, or acidic skin care products, recipes, ingredients and/or techniques may cause redness, sensitivity and irritation. These products include, but are not limited to: soap, alpha, beta, or poly hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, benzoyl peroxide, scrubs, grains, peels, wash cloths, facial brushing or microdermabrasion.

You probably dont have the luxury of a personal makeup artist or studio lights, and irritating your skin till its red or raw is never a good idea. It doesnt preserve youth and beauty; it just makes you look like you have a rash. The moral of the story is: be gentle with your skin; exfoliate or have peels only when your skin needs it. Make your complexion appear soft and luminous, not red or angry looking.

Please visit Tearoses.com to learn more about how you can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and decrease the visible signs of premature aging, without the expense of spa or salon treatments.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is not intended as medical advice. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate any disease, illness, or condition. You are advised to check with your regular physician, dermatologist, and/or plastic surgeon before adding new products or techniques to your skin care routine. Because of individuality of response, the owner, author, web master, and publisher of Tearoses.com is not responsible for any problems that may arise from the use of products or techniques listed, described and/or sold on or through links to and from Tearoses.com. By viewing any web page on Tearoses.com, you agree to be solely responsible for any adverse effects on your health and/or appearance that result from your use of any of the information, products, links, or techniques contained herein.br
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Author: CD Mohatta
Source: isnare.com

To maintain healthy skin you should observe basic care. Over washing will remove the acid mantle and expose you to bacteria. If you do not wash enough, the oil will be a concern. Therefore, use some products that give optimum results in maintenance of oily skin. Let us now find out about these products.

Oil Blotting Papers:
Use of oil blotting papers significantly reduces the surface oil on the skin. As these papers work only on the surface of the skin, they will not stop more oil production as may be wrongly believed by some. The better quality skin oil blotting papers come coated with powder to help absorb more sebum. Powder also leaves skin dry. Blot the oil on the face as many times as you wish with oil blotting papers.

Retinoids:
Topical retinoids reduce oils and also dry the skin. You will also get many combinations of retinoids with AHAs and Vitamin C. Tretinoin is the most popular retinoid for this purpose. It removes the oil gradually and keeps the skin soft. It also increases collagen production and helps keep face wrinkle free.

AHAs:
Glycolic acid helps exfoliate the dead skin cells. With that, it also removes excess oils on the skin. Glycolic acid is an AHA. AHAs also increase the turnover of skin cells and remove dead skin.

Isotretinoin:
Use of isotretinoin is not recommended for oily skin. It is a very good medicine for inflamed cystic acne, but may not be very useful in removing excess oils. Consult your doctor about this.

Anti-Androgens:
Talk to your doctor and find out if you can take oral anti-androgens to control sebum production.

Cosmetics:
Use non-comedogenic and oil-free cosmetics. Use specially formulated cleansers, astringents and toners for oily skin.

Washing:
Don’t wash your face very often to remove oils. Washing twice should be enough to remove excess oil. Treating skin harshly may damage the skin.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Author: Oliver Turner
Source: isnare.com

Acne is a skin disease caused by blockage of skin follicle ducts. This blockage traps the sebum produced resulting in the inflammation of the skin. A bacterium P. Acnes found naturally in the skin infects the inflammation causing acne. There are various acne treatments available depending upon the type of acne.

For mild to moderate acne, antibacterials like Benzoyl peroxide, triclosan and chlorhexidine gluconate are sufficient. Skin exfoliants like Salicylic acid, glycolic acid are also used. Anti bacterials work by killing the bacteria in acne. Skin exfoliants work by opening the skin pores. The results are seen after 2 weeks and full relief may take 4 to 6 weeks.

For severe acne, antibiotics like Erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline are used usually in conjuction with benzoyl peroxide. Sometimes retinoids like Tretinoin, adapaline, retinol and isotretinoin are also used. For very severe acne like cystic acne isotretinoin is the only cure.

The latest and the best way to get rid of acne is phototherapy (Acne light treatment). In acne light treatment a certain wavelength of light, usually intense blue light or red light is used to irradiate the affected area. The light generates free radicals in porphyrins of the bacteria. When the free radicals increase beyond a critical concentration the bacteria dies. If the affected area is pretreated with delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) the results of acne light treatment are enhanced further. This is because ALA increases the levels of porphyrins in the bacteria. Acne light treatment is considered the best acne treatment because it gives high results, has no side effects and the chances of the bacteria developing resistance is remote. Acne light treatment takes about 2 to 3 months.

All the above acne treatments are given in conjunction with prescribed dietary supplements like acuzine. Acuzine consists of anti-oxidants, vitamins E & C, hydrolyzed collagen, ALA, DMAE, L-ascorbic acid, co-enzyme Q-10, Aloe vera, Bioperine etc. The presence of these ingredients helps in early recovery of the skin and provides vital vitamins, enzymes for rebuilding the skin.

Author: Alison Cole
Source: articleage.com

The goals of acne treatment should include clearance of acne and prevention of scarring. Patient education is the first and at times the most crucial step for effective acne treatment. It is essential to dispel myths that consumption of greasy food, potato chips, sugar and chocolates are responsible for the development of acne. The patient must be advised to cleanse the skin gently and use a non-comedogenic moisturizer. The patient should also avoid picking and rubbing the skin and using scented or harsh skin products. Other important preventive measures should include use of proper shaving technique and being consistent with the skin care regimen. Drinking more water can also help skin stay healthy. Evidence states that modification of the testosterone dose; dosing schedule or delivery method helps improve acne symptoms.
Patients with mild to severe acne can be treated with topical or oral medicines. Although systemic therapy is mainly used for treatment of severe acne, it is sometimes needed for moderate cases.
A variety of systemic agents used to clear acne include interlesional corticosteroid injection, isotretinoin, oral antibiotics (tetracycline and erythromycin) and oral contraceptives. Interlesional corticosteroid injection is a much – diluted corticosteroid injected by the dermatologist to treat severely inflamed cysts and prevent scarring. It helps treat acne by “melting” the cyst over a period of 3-5 days. Isotretinoin (a derivative of vitamin A) is a very effective oral drug that can help prevent scarring but because of its potential for serious side effects it is contraindicated in pregnant women and in many other conditions. Isotretinoin acts by reducing the size of the sebaceous glands thus preventing the excess secretion of oil and thereby decreasing the growth of bacteria. It has been estimated that up to 90% of patients’ treatment with isotretinoin result in complete or almost complete recovery from cystic acne.
Tetracycline and erythromycin are effective broad- spectrum oral antibiotics used to treat moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Tetracycline reduces inflammatory lesions of acne but is contraindicated in pregnant and breast feeding women, and children of less than 8 years of age. Doxycycline and minocycline, the synthetic derivatives of tetracycline, are also used to treat acne. Appropriate oral contraceptives that are valuable adjuncts in the treatment of acne in females include: ethynodiol, norgestimate, norethindrone and norethindrone acetate. They act by inhibiting the overactivity of sebaceous glands (oil glands).
Azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, erythromycin, and sodium sulfacetamide are the prescription topical antimicrobials used to treat acne vulgaris in the United States. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid that has bacteriostatic and keratolytic properties. Benzoyl peroxide is inexpensive and best at killing P. acnes. When used in combination with antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin), benzoyl peroxide increases efficacy and reduces antibiotic resistance. Clindamycin is a safe and well tolerated semi-synthetic antibiotic that acts by reducing P. acnes and decreasing inflammation. Topical erythromycin is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent but may cause skin dryness and possible irritation. Sodium sulfacetamide products mostly contain sulfur and are used in patients who cannot tolerate other topical antimicrobials.
Several types of prescription topical retinoids used to treat acne include adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin. Adapalene is a synthetic retinoid analog that unclogs pores and demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties. Tazarotene is a second-line retinoid option that helps treat acne by stopping the development of new comedones. Tretinoin is a natural retinoid that works to gradually unclog pores and keep them unplugged.
Acne provides detailed information about acne, acne medication, acne products, and more. Acne is affiliated with Acne Skin Care Products.

Author: CD Mohatta
Source: isnare.com

This kind of acne requires intensive treatment over a period. Your doctor will treat you with combination therapy to control and cure the acne while trying to take care that minimum scars form. The treatment regimen for severe acne may include physical as well as oral and topical treatments. The options ay include- Isotretinoin, Oral antibiotics, Oral contraceptives for female patients, Injecting corticosteroid in the lesion and Surgical procedure. Let us look at them.

Isotretinoin: Isotretinoin is one of the most potent treatments fore severe form of acne which has not responded well to other therapies. Isotretinoin is the best treatment option for cystic acne. Isotretinoin is a form of Vitamin A. The normal course of Isotretinoin is one or two pills a day for up to twenty weeks. Your dermatologist best decides this. Isotretinoin should never be taken without medical supervision. Isotretinoin is one of the best options because it helps treat all the four factors of acne formation- excess oil, clogged pores, inflammation and the bacteria P.acnes. Isotretinoin can also have many side effects.

Side effects of Isotretinoin – For women, it is very important to be in constant contact with their doctor because Isotretinoin can cause damage to developing foetus. It cannot only never be given during pregnancy but before the treatment begins all possibilities of pregnancy have to be eliminated. Please talk to your doctor in detail and follow his/her instructions very strictly. The other side effects of Isotretinoin may include joint pains, headaches, nausea, depression and others. You must not miss your appointment with your doctor while taking Isotretinoin.

Oral antibiotics – broad spectrum antibiotics can reduce the bacteria P.acnes substantially. With reduction in the population of this bacterium inflammation reduces. The choice of the antibiotic is best left to your doctor. The antibiotic may include drugs such as – tetracycline, erythromycin, doxycline etc.

Oral contraceptives for female patients- overactive sebaceous glands produce more sebum and are one of the main causes of acne. Some oral contraceptives can reduce the production of excessive sebum. These drugs can be taken only under medical supervision. Sometimes, you may have to consult gynecologist for which your doctor will advise you.

Injecting corticosteroid in the lesion – a great help in preparing for a social event, in this treatment a mild steroid is injected in the cyst. The steroid reduces the acne substantially with in few days. This treatment also prevents scarring as it reduces the possibility of bursting of a cyst and dries it totally.

Surgical procedure- your doctor may find it necessary to cut open the acne and drain it. It is done with sterile equipment and needs skill. Acne patients should not do draining of acne.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.