Clinical Dermatology
Acne
Acne is a relatively common skin condition that occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands - face, décolleté, back, shoulders, etc.
Clinically it usually presents with the development of comedones (known as blackheads or whiteheads), papules, pustules, or cysts.
Acne affects patients of all age groups.
It often starts at puberty, due to the rising levels of male sex hormones (which increase sebum production in the skin).
Acne is usually caused by a combination of multiple factors, such as:
- Excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands;
- Clogged hair follicles;
- Bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes);
- Activated inflammatory process;
- Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy.
The type of acne is determined by the severity of clinical manifestation, the area of involvement, the presence of a superimposed inflammation, etc. All these factors determine the mode of treatment.
After a careful and individual clinical assessment your dermatologist will suggest the most appropriate treatment approach. This usually involves some form of topical or systemic therapy.
Various preparations are used for topical application - retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, etc. In recurrent to treatment cases a systemic approach is usually initiated with antibiotics, isotretinoin, oral contraceptives (for women), etc. Your dermatologist may also consider additional procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapy or cyst drainage and extraction.
Prophilactics of recurrence requires consistent skin care. In some patients specific changes in the dietary regime are recommended.
Acne can cause scar formation - especially if it is severe or not treated properly. Acne scars can be a serious challenge to treat, although a a variety of options exist, including laser treatment, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and surgical procedures.
For more information about the possibility of performing a clinical examination and consultation by a specialist clinical dermatologist, you can contact your doctor or call at MC MARKOVS.
