Acne Treatments Part 4 – Seeing a Dermatologist
Even though mild acne isn't a serious condition it is a good idea to see a dermatologist if your skin breaks out. You can receive valuable information about the cause of acne as well as learning about the options for treatment. In addition, there is a condition called keratosis pilaris that is sometimes confused with acne, so seeing a dermatologist can determine which condition you actually have so that you are not wasting time with inappropriate treatments.
Mild conditions of acne can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases need the attention of a doctor. Acne can cause physical as well as emotional suffering and can lead to permanent scarring if not properly treated. When acne is not responding to over-the-counter medications you should consult with a dermatologist for treatment.
It is a good idea to prepare for your first consultation by writing down as much information about your acne as possible. The doctor will want to know the background -- how long you have had acne, what form it takes (blackheads, whiteheads, lesions etc.) and what you have done to treat it. You may also be asked if your parents or siblings had acne and how severe it was for them.
Since the acne treatment may include oral medications you should be prepared to tell the doctor if you are allergic to certain medicines. Girls may be asked to describe their menstrual period and boys may need to say how often they shave.
The dermatologist may offer a choice of treatments so knowing a bit about the various options can help you make an informed decision. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Antibiotics can be given orally or in a lotion that is applied to the skin. Severe cases may require the use of both forms.
Topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid. These are usually prescribed in gel form and may cause dryness or reddening of the skin.
Acne Treatments Part 3 -- Physical Treatments
Mild acne conditions are usually best treated by topical ointments. More severe cases may be treated in a variety of ways including oral antibiotics, ointments, and physical treatments such as chemical peels and drainage.
Physical treatments must be conducted by a dermatologist. Although popping pimples is a form of physical treatment, it is ill-advised. It can cause acne-causing bacteria to spread and may lead to scarring. Physical treatments done under controlled conditions (i.e. in a doctor's office) minimize risk while providing the best outcome.
Exfoliation
The top layer of skin can be removed either chemically or with abrasion. Chemical peels are usually done with salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These work by destroying a microscopic layer of skin cells to unclog pores and remove the build-up of dead cells. The same effect can be achieved by using an abrasive cloth or liquid scrub. Glycolic acid treatments can be done every two to four weeks over a period of about six months, but salicylic acid treatments are milder and are often included in over-the-counter medications. They can be used on a daily basis.
Comedo Extraction
Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) can be removed by a dermatologist using sterile instruments. An anesthetic cream is used in the immediate area and then the comedones are extracted using a pen-like instrument which opens the top to allow removal of the plugged skin cells and sebum. The procedure is usually followed by an application of antibiotic cream. It is important not to try this at home -- squeezing or picking at pimples can lead to infection and permanent scarring.
Acne Treatments Part 2 -- Prescription Medication
Many people try to treat acne conditions on their own without consulting a doctor. However, it is always a good idea to check with a dermatologist when you notice any kind of unusual skin condition. Even if it turns out to be acne, the doctor can give you valuable information and advice about how to treat it.
Mild and moderate conditions of acne can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, but severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist and prescription medicine. Even if the acne is moderate, a prescription medicine may be more effective than what is available over-the-counter.
There are two types of prescription acne medications -- oral and topical. Antibiotics are often used to fight acne, and they can be taken orally or as a lotion. Topical prescription medications may include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids.
Antibiotics -- The most common antibiotic used for treating acne is tetracycline. It is used to kill the bacteria responsible for acne and also reduces inflammation. Antibiotic treatment may take several weeks or even months to be effective and must continue even after the acne has cleared up. A common side effect associated with tetracycline is increased sensitivity to sun light resulting in bad sunburns if the patient stays in the sun too long. Other side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, and hives.
Women taking tetracycline can suffer from increased incidences of vaginal yeast. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 cannot take tetracycline because it discolours growing teeth.
Ointments -- Antibiotic ointments have fewer complications than oral antibiotics. They are effective in killing bacteria which cause acne, and when used in conjunction with other topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide the bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.
