Acne occurs when tiny holes in the skin called hair follicles become blocked. These follicles usually contain sebaceous glands which lubricate the hair and skin to stop them drying out.
Embarrassing acne can lower self-esteem, and can lead to scarring if left untreated. It is most common in teenagers and young adults experiencing hormonal changes but can persist into adulthood.
Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are an effective 서면피부과 acne treatment and are most often used when over-the-counter treatments, like cleansers with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, have failed to clear your skin. Taking an antibiotic may help kill the bacteria that cause inflammatory breakouts, and it can also reduce excess oil production.
These medications can be found in creams, ointments and solutions, and they are usually prescribed with instructions on how much to use and where on the face. Typically, these products must be applied directly to the skin and are left on, rather than washed off, for the best results. Topical clindamycin and dapsone are common prescription antibiotics for acne, and a few brands (like Duac gel) combine these with retinoids.
Using antibiotics for acne is risky because it can cause bacterial resistance and imbalance of the microbiome in your gut, but it can also be life-saving for some patients with severe, painful breakouts that won’t go away with over-the-counter remedies. With the dearth of new antibiotics and rising concerns about antimicrobial resistance, dermatologists are focusing on narrow-spectrum antibiotics for acne.
A recent study in Nucleic Acids Research used a 3D imaging system to visualize the C. acnes ribosome, the protein-making machine that’s targeted by most antibio 서면피부과 tics. The researchers hoped to boost dermatologists’ understanding of how to use narrow-spectrum antibiotics to treat acne, and they also wanted to help prevent the development of resistant bacteria.
Topical creams
Topical medications are lotions or gels applied to the skin and used to treat a condition. Some topical treatments are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. Some examples include benzoyl peroxide, which reduces oil and fights inflammation; salicylic acid, which removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores; and azelaic acid, which is more commonly used for another type of acne but may also help mild acne.
The vehicle — or formulation — in which a topical drug product is delivered to the skin determines how well it works. The vehicle may be optimised for a specific site or skin condition and can be delivered in different formats, such as creams, ointments, solutions or gels.
Benzoyl peroxide is the mainstay of many treatment plans for acne and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. This agent is effective against bacteria and has comedolytic properties, which exfoliate the skin and increase epithelial cell turnover. It should be combined with a topical retinoid for best results.
This product is more expensive than other topical products, but it is recommended by dermatologists because of its effectiveness. It contains a combination of acids, including glycolic acid to brighten the skin and lactic acid to lighten discoloration. It also has niacinamide, which helps prevent blemishes, and zinc, which is thought to help with scarring and inflammatory acne.
Birth control pills
Acne breakouts are often caused by fluctuations in hormone levels, and that’s why many dermatologists recommend oral contraceptives (birth control pills) as an acne treatment. The most commonly prescribed birth control pill for acne is combination hormonal birth control, which includes both estrogen and progestin. The estrogen helps to regulate the follicular and luteal phases of your menstrual cycle, which also reduces your chances of pregnancy. The progestin, which is a synthetic form of progesterone, lowers your testosterone levels, which can improve or prevent acne. Examples of this type of oral contraceptive include Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Estrostep FE.
It can take a few months before you begin to see an improvement in your acne when taking oral contraceptives. It’s important to discuss with your doctor what your acne treatment plan should be before starting any new treatments, including birth control.
Acne, zits, spots or blemishes—whatever you choose to call them, they’re not fun for anyone. Thankfully, there are many treatments for acne, from over-the-counter face washes and gels to prescription medications. And while every patient reacts differently, it is possible that birth control pills may help treat your acne. If you have been struggling with hormonal acne, it’s worth a conversation with your dermatologist or OBGYN. You may be surprised at how effective these pills can be for your skin.
Subcision
Despite being commonly misunderstood, subcision has been proven to be an effective treatment for acne scars. This treatment improves the appearance of rolling and boxcar scars by breaking down the fibrous bands that tether them down and stimulating new tissue formation to lift the depressed scar.
Dr Green will assess your scarring type at consultation and decide if this is the best treatment option for you. If she is convinced it is, the procedure can be done the same day or scheduled for a later date. Prior to the treatment, the treated area will be thoroughly cleansed and sterilized. A topical numbing cream will be applied for an hour. Then, the skin will be marked with a surgical marker and adjusted with overhead lighting to clearly delineate depressions.
A tri-bevelled hypodermic needle (Nokor) with a bevel of 18 or 20 gauge is then inserted at an acute angle adjacent to or beneath the scar directly into the skin. Smaller needles are used for wrinkles or superficial scarring. Tumescent anaesthesia is then injected with a Klein infiltration pump giving set and a 22G blunt cannula. This rapid infiltration dramatically reduces the risk of haematoma, nerve damage and vessel disruption.
During the treatment, the tip of the needle is pressed against the scarred area to break down the fibrous tethering and stimulate new tissue formation. This results in a lifting of the scar, and in some cases, even complete elimination.