What is Acne?

            Acne is an inflammation of the oil glands and hair follicles of the skin.  During life, but especially during the adolescent years, hormonal changes take place.  These changes affect the oil glands causing them to produce more oil than necessary to lubricate the skin.  The opening of the glands gets blocked, and germs grow in the secretions, therefore plugging the glands. 

        Zits, Pimples, Acne—whatever you choose to call it, this villain attacks most of us at one time or another—usually right before a family picture or an important date.  It can have an adverse affect on your self-image and is often socially disturbing as well.  While acne is not curable, it is usually controllable with many treatment options available.  Seeing a dermatologist is the first step in getting the acne under control and eventually into remission.  If you do nothing and wait to outgrow acne you could be making a serious mistake.  Acne scars are not only on the surface of the skin, but can go much deeper.

            Acne consists of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, red bumps, pustules and sometimes deeper, boil-like spots called cysts or nodules.  Acne most often appears on the face, but it is also found on the back, chest, shoulders and neck because these are the areas where the oil glands are numerous.

            The goal of a dermatologist is to reduce the recurrence of acne and minimize scarring until the patient “grows out of the disease”, or until the disease enters remission. No two cases are exactly alike and treatment is varied to meet the particular need of each patient’s skin.  Methods of treatment include:  soaks, systemic antibiotics, hormones and birth control pills, topical creams, acne surgery, ultra violet light, intralesional injections, and Accutane.  Incorporating special glycolic facial treatments can also help cleanse the skin and exfoliate dead cells. Glycolic therapy is an effective method for clearing and cleansing the pores of acne-prone skin. 

            The process of controlling the acne may be necessary for a few months or a few years.  In order to prevent future breakouts as well as camouflage current blemishes, cosmetics are available that do not cause irritation, allergies, or acne flare-ups.  Choosing a product line that contains natural ingredients, has a water base, and is oil-free, is very important.t.

Accutane 

            Soderstrom Dermatology Center, S.C. has been treating certain severe cases of acne, when appropriate, with a drug called Accutane for over 20 years. Accutane produces effective results, healing cysts and preventing future acne scarring. There are possible known and unknown side effects to taking Accutane, so blood tests are monitored as is the patient's emotional state. Pregnancy issues are addressed with every female patient.  We adhere to FDA and drug company guidelines.  Extensive educational material is provided for all patients that are potential candidates for Accutane treatment.  We use Accutane with experience, and when needed.

Acne Scar Treatment

             If, unfortunately, scars have developed before treatment or during the healing phase, there are several methods which are effective and helpful for treating these scars. These include but are not limited to: Retin-A, Glycolic Hydroxy Biopeels, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, surgical removal of pits and scars, and Zyderm Collagen and other fillers.  Additionally, acne scars can oftentimes be treated with laser surgery.  The Ultrapulse CO2 (carbon dioxide) Laser and others were engineered specifically to help treat acne scarring.  This laser treats the scars by transmitting pulses of colorless infrared light into one layer of skin at a time, thereby allowing the surgeon to peel and resurface the facial skin.  The laser not only allows the body to resurface the upper layers of skin, it helps tighten the elastin fibers underneath the skin, resulting in a smoother, clearer complexion.

            There are many highly advanced and specialized treatments available for all types and stages of acne. Hospital-type soaks, systemic antibiotics, topical creams, acne surgery, intralesional injections and Accutane are several methods used to control acne. No two cases are exactly alike and treatment should be varied to meet the particular needs of each person’s skin.

MYTHS & TRUTHS ABOUT ACNE

“Eating chocolate causes your skin to break out.”  MYTH

• There is no evidence of a direct link between food and acne.

“My skin must be dirty because I have acne.”  MYTH

• Acne is not a disease of dirt.  Some individuals go to extremes in scrubbing their skin.  Since the oil plus starts much deeper, this is of little use and can actually irritate your skin.

“Only teenagers get acne.”  MYTH

• Although the majority of patients with acne are teenagers, at least 10 percent of acne patients are adults.

“Stress can have an affect on acne.”  TRUTH

• Stress has been linked directly to acne flares.  It is very common for students to have increased problems with acne before and during exam times.  Acne may also be aggravated by lack of sleep rubbing, friction, excessive sweating and picking or squeezing the plugged pores.

“I got acne from my mom.”  TRUTH

• Heredity plays an important role in the acne process.  The size and activity of the oil glands are dictated by heredity.  If your parents both had problems with acne, you are also more likely to experience a problem with acne.

“Certain medicines can cause acne.”  TRUTH

• The list of drugs aggravating acne is a long one.  Corticosteroids in high doses produce enlargement of the oil glands.  Certain hormonal drugs, such as testosterone and progesterone-containing birth control pills, have a tendency to aggravate acne.  Other aggravating agents are lodides and bromides which are found in certain vitamin and mineral preparations, sedatives, asthma and cold remedies, medications, Phenobarbital and others.

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