Before you start acne scars treatment, you should first treat acne vulgaris. We will give the full clinical treatment of acne vulgaris. Before you start these treatment, you should discuss the treatment option with a dermatologist. Never squeeze acne pimples, as this causes acne scars.
Incidence and pathophysiology:
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders, and it affects more than 80% of all adolescents. It is caused by Propionibacterium acnes infection of the sebaceous glands. This causes inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, cysts and
scarring, mainly on the face, chest, back and arms.
Principles of Acne Vulgaris Treatment:
The topical use of peeling chemicals, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoic acid (tretinoin) regularly in conjunction with systemic antibiotic therapy works well on most acne vulgaris patients . These peeling chemicals may cause skin irritation.
Click here to see a natural acne vulgaris treatment option. Another treatment option is Azelaic acid, which is a natural product of Pityrosporum ovale, and works as an antibacterial and anti-keratinizing agent. It is not as irritant as benzoyl peroxide. Your dermatologist may put you on an antibiotic treatment of low-dose doxycycline or erythromycin for several months. Tetracyclines should not be used by children under 13 years old. There is also topical antibiotic therapy option which is not as effective as systemic therapy.
Hormonal Acne Vulgaris Treatment:
Acne is caused by androgens on the sebaceous glands. Hormonal acne vulgaris treatment works well on women with acne vulgaris. Cyproterone acetate is an anti-androgen with central and peripheral activity, and is used in combination with low-dose oestrogen, ethinylestradiol. Hormonal acne vulgaris treatment shouldn’t be used by pregnant women, and treatment must be supervised by a dermatologist.
Retinoid Acne Vulgaris Treatment:
ISOTRETINOIN
Uses:
Isotretinoin is the D-isomer of tretinoin, another vitamin A analogue. It is used orally for severe acne vulgaris cases, and can only be prescribed by a dermatologist. Treatment length is usually around four months, with 80% improvement. Improvement continues after stopping the treatment.
Mechanism of action:
Retinoids inhibit sebum production, and reduces the size of the sebaceous glands by 90% in the first month. These drugs also inhibit keratinization, that reduces comedones.
You should discuss the side effects with your dermatologist before starting the treatment.
