Acne Treatment Options
Acne is the most common skin condition in America. It is most common among teenagers and young adults (ages 12 to 25 years), accounting for about 85% of cases or about 50 million individuals annually. Studies report that adult acne is common (ages 25 to 40) and women are affected more frequently than men. Having acne can impact daily function and impair quality of life at all ages.
What causes acne?
Acne is a multifactorial disease that occurs when the skin becomes plugged by oil, bacteria and dead skin cells.. Fluctuations in hormones can lead to oily skin which when combined with dead skin cells can plug hair follicles and lead to black heads and white heads. When the acne bacteria, Cutibacterium acnes, overgrow and infect the clogged pore, a pimple is formed. Factors that can affect acne include genetics, stress, sweating and diet.
Treatment is focused on managing all the controllable factors: reducing bacteria, reducing oil production, stimulating cell turnover, and unclogging pores. There are many professional treatments available that can help you clear your acne and improve your skin health.
What acne treatments are available?
Although some mild acne may respond to over the counter treatment (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) often prescription medication is necessary to successfully treat acne.
Topical treatment options
Tretinoin (Retin-A)
Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a topical retinoid medication that is effective short and long-term treatment for acne. It works by stimulating cell turnover to clear dead skin cells, opening clogged pores, and regulating oil production. Regular use can also prevent future outbreaks. Tretinoin can also be used as an anti-aging treatment. It is available in both cream and gel form. Common side effects include skin dryness and peeling. Moisturizing can help to lessen these side effects.
Adapalene (Differin)
Adapalene (Differin) is another topical retinoid medication that is commonly used to treat acne. It offers several benefits. It treats acne deep in the hair follicles in pores and helps to keep pores open to prevent new acne from forming. Adapalene helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne thereby reducing inflammation. Adapalene is available in both cream and gel form. Common side effects include skin dryness and peeling. A moisturizer can be used in conjunction with Adapalene to minimize dryness.
Topical antibiotics
Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin, erythromycin, sulfur and sulfacetamide may be used to lessen inflammation and to kill the bacteria that causes acne.
Oral Treatment Options
To successfully treat moderate to severe acne oral therapy may be necessary.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics can help with both inflammation and acne bacteria. Common antibiotics include erythromycin, minocycline, and doxycycline.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a hormone therapy used to treat acne in women. Spironolactone helps to block hormones that can lead to acne. Sometimes it is used with oral contraceptives to increase effectiveness.
Birth control
Birth control pills are another option for treating acne in women. They help to regulate hormonal fluctuations and androgens that can lead to acne.
Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a medication that is used to treat severe or resistant acne that has not responded to other therapies. By decreasing oil production Isotretinoin treats clogged pores, inflammatory acne and cystic lesions. It is generally prescribed for 5-6 months and in many cases can provide a long term resolution for acne sufferers. Isotretinoin can cause severe birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while taking the medication. Due to this reason Isotretinoin is closely monitored.
Other options
Acne surgery
Acne surgery (extractions) can help to clear clogged pores. Using sterile tools the content of compacted pores is extracted using gentle pressure. Acne extractions are often combined with a retinol product (Retin A or Differin) to help treat blackheads and whiteheads.
Blue Light therapy
Blue Light therapy is a noninvasive phototherapy that uses light to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Blue light is not harmful to the skin. It works by treating inflammation and reducing the bacteria that cause acne. Blue light therapy is usually done in a series of treatments over a period of time and is an excellent option for patients who prefer a more natural approach to treating their acne.
Dermatologist Dr. Heather Higgins can tailor a treatment program to your skin type, the severity of your acne and your personal needs. Call today for a consultation.
