What is acne?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of pilosebaceus follicle characterized by a series of diverse lessions such as comedones, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules.
Various topical and systemic drugs are available to treat acne. Also can be used physical (comedones extraction) and specific treatments.
Topical acne agents are applied on the skin:
- Topical keratolytic drugs (retinoic acid, salicylic acid, azelaic acid).
- Antimicrobial drugs (benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics).
The systemic therapy is used frequent and can be highly effective:
- Antibiotics (tetracycline or minocycline or erythromycin or azithromycin alternatively). In general therapy can be carried out for at least 3 months.
- Hormonal treatment (ideal therapy for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or tardive acne).
- Isotretinoin (13 – cis – retinoic acid) a medicine FDA approved, for ages over 12 years with severe cystic acne or acne that is unresponsive to other treatment modalities.
Extraction of comedones or incision of sebaceous cysts are carried out using a special tool (comedone extractor).
Specific treatments include:
- Special peelings (BA complex, mandelic, salycilic peelings).
- Triamcinolone injection in large inflamed cysts.
- Photodynamic therapy uses specific wavelength light, such as blue UV spectrum. Photodynamic therapy not only present good results in skin cancer but also anti-aging benefits.
These dermatologists “tips” can help you reduce your symptoms and prevent acne scars.
What is a scar?
A scar is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or an injury to the surface of the skin has healed.
Acne could also produce scars as an overreaction to the healing process.
Most serious scarring is caused by the more severe forms of acne.
The only way to prevent acne scars is the treatment of acne as soon as possible from its appearance.
The most common types are atrophic, hypertrophic and keloid scarring.
Types of treatment
- Chemical peelings: Chemical peel treatments are among the oldest and most trusted cosmetic procedures used in superficial scars. The recovery period after a chemical peel depends on the intensity of the peel. The number of treatments needed generally depends on the severity of the patient’s condition.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a relatively new procedure, involving skin resurfacing by exfoliating the outer layers of the skin. This is accomplished by the new General Project Face Up abrasor. The device combines two technologies, micropulsation and microdermabrasion. Micropulsation is performed with an orbital handpiece and Microdermabrasion with interchangeable heads. The orbital movement of the head permits to eliminate the epidermal layer, making the skin bright and smooth. Simultaneously the micropulsations massage the skin and the face muscles, thus stimulating and improving the circulation in the tissues. The combination of these two technοlοgies, triggers the generation of new collagen and elastin. Microdermabrasion is ideal for those who want exceptional results with minimal downtime. Although you will observe “the difference” on your skin from only the first microdermabrasion session, 3 to 5 sessions yield the best results.
- Fractional CO2 Laser + Fractional Radiofrequency: These cutting edge acne scar treatments have recovery period impressively short. The results are getting visible from the first session, even though 3-4 sessions (every 20-30 days) needed. The skin ‘wakes up’ and starts producing collagen.
Before & After
