PROMISING DEVELOPMENTS
Lasers are the new-wave treatment for acne scars. However, the jury's still out on which procedure is best. One device, the pulsed carbon dioxide (co2) laser, is particularly effective for revising indented scars; its heat vaporises thin layers of depressed skin and tightens collagen fibres. Another so-called 'cool' laser treatment, the Erbium: YAG laser, use short bursts of energy that are absorbed by the water in the skin. This allows for the very precise sculpting of irregular scars.
For this reason, consider trying a synthetic form of vitamin A known as retinoids (Retin-A, Retrieve Cream). This topical prescription drug unclogs pores by regulating the growth of skin cells.
A word of warning: if you use topical retinoids, your acne may actually look worse before it gets better. Because your skin will be extra sensitive, you'll also need to stay out of the sun. And be sure to keep the gel or liquid away from your eyes.
Even more effective is the oral vitamin A derivative isoretinoin (Roaccutane), which shrinks the sebum-producing glands attached to hair follicles. Often dubbed a 'miracle cure' for severe cystic acne, Roaccutane requires careful medical supervision because it can have serious side effects (see next)
WHAT ABOUT ROACCUTANE ?
This potent drug is a restricated medication in Australia and can be prescribed only by a specialist. It is a highly effective drug, with 85% of users showing great improvement within six months.
Unfortunately it also has considerable side effects. The most important is birth defects that will occur in children of women taking Roaccutane.
Before starting the drug women need to understand this side effect, sign a consent form and be provided with suitable contraception.
Other side effects can include drying out of all the mucous membranes; fatigue; and bone, joint or muscle pain. Night blindness--the loss of the ability to see in the dark--is a rare but serious side effect and if it occurs the drug should be stopped immediately. Roaccutane has also been linked with serious
psychiatric side effects, such as depression and suicide, but this remains controversial. So far clinical trials have not proved these symptoms are caused by the drug.
Procedures
Dermatologists have an arsenal of useful techniques to help control problem lesions and to prevent scarring. The major drawback is that these procedures need to be done frequently and usually in the doctor's surgery. For comedone removal, doctors use a comedo (or loop) extractor to literally pull bacterial matter out of white-heads and blackheads, thus reducing the risk they will develop into troublesome blemishes. (Some patients can learn to do this themselves.) For severe acne, doctors may inject steroids (corticosteroid drugs) directly into cysts and nodules to lessen inflammation and shrink the lesions. Superficial chemical skin peels are also carried out, but often they fail to minimise acne scars, which reflect damage to deeper layers of skin.
If you're among the 1 percent of acne sufferers who scars--and this depends on various factors--new surgical procedures can have dramatic results. For one or two scars, consider collagen injections, which insert this natural body protein under the skin to 'fill out' depressions. For a more extensive problem, dermabrasion and chemical peels have been widely used for the treatment of acne scars. Laser treatments are an encouraging new development. Resurfacing infrared lasers such as co2 lasers, and more recently, erbium lasers are being used more widely better remove scars and tighten the skin. Although your skin may be red for months, your scars will be changed for good.
Lifestyle changes
In addition to medical treatments, good home care is essential for dealing with acne breakouts successfully. Try to do the following:
Wash your face gently (no more than twice a day) with soap-free cleansers or a mild soap to remove oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.
Pay attention to your hair. Style it away from your face so scalp oils don't irriate your complexion, and avoid greasy styling products. Always pull your hair back when you sleep.
Wear loose-fitting, clean exercise gear. Working up a sweat in tight, nonabsorbent clothes or a constricting sweatband alters oil production, contributing to acne formation.
Don't squeeze lesions. Picking at pimples is likely to make the inflammation worse and increase the risk for scars and pitting.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and ultraviolet lamps.
These light sources help dry up acne, but they also result in long-term skin damage and can even cause cancer.
Natural methods
Afew herbal products are useful for drying up acen. Topically applied tea-tree oil is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Wipe on a 10 to 15 percent strength solution twice a day. Camomile
also has long been used for easing skin inflammations. Make a strong camomile tea, and wipe the cooled, strained liquid over your face each morning. This effective daily rinse tones and cleanses.
Lasers are the new-wave treatment for acne scars. However, the jury's still out on which procedure is best. One device, the pulsed carbon dioxide (co2) laser, is particularly effective for revising indented scars; its heat vaporises thin layers of depressed skin and tightens collagen fibres. Another so-called 'cool' laser treatment, the Erbium: YAG laser, use short bursts of energy that are absorbed by the water in the skin. This allows for the very precise sculpting of irregular scars.
For this reason, consider trying a synthetic form of vitamin A known as retinoids (Retin-A, Retrieve Cream). This topical prescription drug unclogs pores by regulating the growth of skin cells.
A word of warning: if you use topical retinoids, your acne may actually look worse before it gets better. Because your skin will be extra sensitive, you'll also need to stay out of the sun. And be sure to keep the gel or liquid away from your eyes.
Even more effective is the oral vitamin A derivative isoretinoin (Roaccutane), which shrinks the sebum-producing glands attached to hair follicles. Often dubbed a 'miracle cure' for severe cystic acne, Roaccutane requires careful medical supervision because it can have serious side effects (see next)
WHAT ABOUT ROACCUTANE ?
This potent drug is a restricated medication in Australia and can be prescribed only by a specialist. It is a highly effective drug, with 85% of users showing great improvement within six months.
Unfortunately it also has considerable side effects. The most important is birth defects that will occur in children of women taking Roaccutane.
Before starting the drug women need to understand this side effect, sign a consent form and be provided with suitable contraception.
Other side effects can include drying out of all the mucous membranes; fatigue; and bone, joint or muscle pain. Night blindness--the loss of the ability to see in the dark--is a rare but serious side effect and if it occurs the drug should be stopped immediately. Roaccutane has also been linked with serious
psychiatric side effects, such as depression and suicide, but this remains controversial. So far clinical trials have not proved these symptoms are caused by the drug.
Procedures
Dermatologists have an arsenal of useful techniques to help control problem lesions and to prevent scarring. The major drawback is that these procedures need to be done frequently and usually in the doctor's surgery. For comedone removal, doctors use a comedo (or loop) extractor to literally pull bacterial matter out of white-heads and blackheads, thus reducing the risk they will develop into troublesome blemishes. (Some patients can learn to do this themselves.) For severe acne, doctors may inject steroids (corticosteroid drugs) directly into cysts and nodules to lessen inflammation and shrink the lesions. Superficial chemical skin peels are also carried out, but often they fail to minimise acne scars, which reflect damage to deeper layers of skin.
If you're among the 1 percent of acne sufferers who scars--and this depends on various factors--new surgical procedures can have dramatic results. For one or two scars, consider collagen injections, which insert this natural body protein under the skin to 'fill out' depressions. For a more extensive problem, dermabrasion and chemical peels have been widely used for the treatment of acne scars. Laser treatments are an encouraging new development. Resurfacing infrared lasers such as co2 lasers, and more recently, erbium lasers are being used more widely better remove scars and tighten the skin. Although your skin may be red for months, your scars will be changed for good.
Lifestyle changes
In addition to medical treatments, good home care is essential for dealing with acne breakouts successfully. Try to do the following:
Wash your face gently (no more than twice a day) with soap-free cleansers or a mild soap to remove oil, dead skin cells and bacteria.
Pay attention to your hair. Style it away from your face so scalp oils don't irriate your complexion, and avoid greasy styling products. Always pull your hair back when you sleep.
Wear loose-fitting, clean exercise gear. Working up a sweat in tight, nonabsorbent clothes or a constricting sweatband alters oil production, contributing to acne formation.
Don't squeeze lesions. Picking at pimples is likely to make the inflammation worse and increase the risk for scars and pitting.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and ultraviolet lamps.
These light sources help dry up acne, but they also result in long-term skin damage and can even cause cancer.
Natural methods
Afew herbal products are useful for drying up acen. Topically applied tea-tree oil is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Wipe on a 10 to 15 percent strength solution twice a day. Camomile
also has long been used for easing skin inflammations. Make a strong camomile tea, and wipe the cooled, strained liquid over your face each morning. This effective daily rinse tones and cleanses.
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