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Don't let acne hold you back. Know your options.


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Acne (Pimples)

Acne affects nearly 100% of the population at some point. For some, acne is mild and transient; for others, it can be severe and long lasting. Scarring from severe acne can be permanent and disfiguring. Acne usually begins around the time of puberty. Acne may improve after puberty, but for many, acne persists into and during middle age. Acne lesions form when the opening of oil glands (called sebaceous glands) in the skin become blocked. Trapped oil builds up within the gland, causing inflammation. The swelling within the oil gland can become so intense that the oil gland (and associated hair follicle) can rupture, leading to further inflammation. While the surge of hormones during puberty likely triggers this process, other factors such as stress, diet, and the influence of other hormones may also play a role.

A bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes that is normally present on the skin likely plays a role in acne, but the precise link is still unclear. Any person with moderate or worse acne should be seen by a physician to discuss treatment options, because of the risk of permanent scarring.

Acne Treatment

Treatment for acne has improved dramatically in the last 2 decades. Effective over-the-counter medications include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide preparations. First line prescription acne treatment usually involves a combination of topical treatments, such as one of the retinoids (such as tretinoin) and a topical antibiotic (such as benzoyl peroxide mixed with clindamycin). Common side effects are irritation and redness and you and your doctor will decide what is best for your individual needs. For acne that resists topical treatment, or for more severe acne, systemic treatments may be necessary. The tetracycline antibiotics are effective in many people. Erythromycin, Bactrim, and other antibiotics are second-line antibiotic therapies. However, long term antibiotic use can cause bacterial resistance in those who use them and should be used with caution. There are other side effects that must be discussed with your doctor. For women, oral contraceptives (“the pill”) may also improve acne. For adult woman with acne, other hormonal therapies may be considered. For severe acne that is associated with scarring, isotretinoin (Accutane) is prescribed. This drug is very effective and can cure acne but must be used very cautiously because of the risk of severe birth defects when taken during pregnancy. There are other common side effects (dry lips, peeling skin, etc) of isotretinoin that may limit its use as well. Some people believe that isotretinoin can lead to suicidal symptoms. This is controversial and should be discussed with your doctor.

Because of the risks of systemic medications, newer, less invasive treatments have been sought. With the development of new cosmetic treatment modalities such as lasers and light therapy, new acne treatments have also been developed. In general, because these methods are new, they are not as well tested. In the early studies, most of the new treatments have proven to be mildly to moderately effective. The side effect profiles are usually minimal. The specific treatment modalities are discussed below. You and your doctor can discuss the best treatment to suit your individual needs.

Other Acne Treatment Options:

• Laser therapy

Although there are many different lasers available, only a few of them have successfully been used in the treatment of acne. For example, the pulsed-dye laser was tested in a randomized, double blinded controlled trial (the best kind of trial available) and was shown to significantly reduce acne after a single treatment with no serious side effects. The 1450 nm infrared laser has been used in one uncontrolled study and decreased lesion counts by 83% after three treatments. Temporary pain, redness, and swelling was reported in most patients. In patients with darker skin tones, hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) was reported.

• Chemical peels

Chemical peels have long been used for facial rejuvenation and to reverse the signs of aging. More recently, they have been used for the treatment of acne.

• Microdermabrasion

In a few preliminary studies, microdermabrasion treatments have reduced acne lesions and improved the texture of the skin in the majority of patients.
Schedule Your Appointment To Discuss Your Options.