ACNE VULGARIS

Acne is not caused by food, dirt or not cleaning correctly as most people may think. Acne is an inflammatory condition where the pilosebaceous unit becomes plugged by dead keratinocytes (dead skin cells) and sebum. This creates an environment where the Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria involved in the pathophysiology of acne) can thrive leading to an inflammatory response. This cascade of events can lead to three types of acne: Comedomal, Inflammatory and Cystic.

Genetics and fluctuating hormonal changes influence the severity of acne. Most people think that only teenagers suffer from acne, but the reality is that 50% of acne patients seen are adult females. Acne does not just affect the face, but can also affect the neck, chest, shoulders and back leading to pigmentary changes and potential scarring. The healthcare providers and aestheticians at Advanced Dermatology understand the negative affect acne can have on a patient's self esteem and quality of life. This is why we are committed to customizing therapies that are right for you and will work to improve and maintain the clearance of your acne.

Since acne is a chronic condition without a cure it is important that you understand that controlling your acne is an ongoing process. The severity of your acne, prior medication history and skin type will help your dermatologist develop a regimen that is fit for you. The Global Alliance to Improve Acne Outcomes states that first line treatment for mild to moderate acne is a topical benzoyl peroxide (decreases the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes) and a retinoid (works as a comedolytic). But there are many other products to choose from that work on the comedome (such as glycolic acids and salicyclic acids), the Propionibacterium acnes (such as topical antibiotics), and the inflammatory process (such as Aczone 5% Gel). Oral antibiotics or Isotretinoin may be needed for those patients that have more moderate to severe acne that have not responded well to topical therapy alone, have multiple inflammatory and cystic nodules, or are starting to show signs of permanent scarring.
Other options for the treatment of acne; post-inflammatory hyperpigentation and acne scarring are facials, chemical peels, laser and light therapy.

Remember that acne is an inflammatory condition and with long term inflammation your risk of permanent scarring will increase. So even though you may think your son, daughter or even you may have only mild acne, it is important to be evaluated by a skin care specialist (dermatologist) to prevent scarring and to boost self-esteem. Healthy, clear skin will lead to a more confident you.

Risha Bellomo, MPAS, PA-C
Waterford Lakes Office