| With today's medical advances, we are being | | | | damage and depression could occur, but this is |
| presented with many methods to deal with acne | | | | unsubstantiated. Birth defects can occur if taken |
| problems. With such a myriad of solutions available | | | | by pregnant women, but the patient also taking |
| to us, frankly it can be quite confusing to the | | | | the contraceptive pill before beginning the |
| layman. To help us understand this issue more, let | | | | treatment avoids this. |
| us look at the different methods for the | | | | Exfoliating the skin is another treatment widely |
| treatment of acne if your acne is not responding | | | | used in controlling acne. A chemical exfoliating |
| to over the counter (OTC) medications. | | | | agent such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid is used |
| First, it would be wise to visit your local GP. If | | | | as a topical application to encourage the top layer |
| after two months the acne still does not seem to | | | | of skin to peel off. This is not as horrible as it |
| be improving, ask for a referral to a | | | | sounds, as only a microscopic layer dissolves. The |
| dermatologist. Treatments for acne differ in | | | | same effect can also be accomplished by the use |
| various countries and what is acceptable in one | | | | of an abrasive cloth or liquid scrub. |
| may not be available in another. | | | | Sometimes, the contraceptive pill is prescribed for |
| One of the most common treatments for acne is | | | | the control of acne. A combined oestrogen or |
| an antibiotic like tetracycline. This will kill the | | | | progestogen pill (marketed as Diane) is the most |
| bacteria present in the blocked hair follicle, thus | | | | effective and now there is a new one on the |
| reducing the inflammation. It may need to be | | | | market though it may not be available in the USA |
| taken for some months, but is considered quite | | | | which has fewer side effects. |
| safe. | | | | Photosynthesis is yet another treatment. Sunlight |
| The acne can also be treated externally by using | | | | has been used for a short term aid in the past. |
| erythromycin or benzoyl peroxide. While this | | | | Now it has been found that intense blue light |
| reduces the bacteria causing the problem, it is | | | | produced by specially made fluorescent tubes is |
| really treating the symptoms rather than the | | | | far more efficient. Yoram Harth and Alan Shalita |
| cause. That is, the oil secretion and abnormal cell | | | | have conducted extensive tests and trials with |
| behaviour that blocks the follicle in the first place. | | | | this method and found it can reduce the inflamed |
| So unfortunately, the acne will usually reappear | | | | lesions by 60 to 70% in about four weeks of |
| within some weeks of the treatment being | | | | treatment. It works best if the acne is mild to |
| stopped. | | | | moderate and has no side effects. |
| The best thing to do is to reduce the amount of | | | | Before you do anything for your can problems, |
| oil being secreted, and this can be accomplished | | | | please consult your doctor for each of the |
| by taking Vitamin A derivatives (marketed as | | | | treatment. You may not be aware of some |
| Accutane). There are many harsh side effects, | | | | medical complications that may arise. Your |
| such as nosebleeds and dry skin with this | | | | present medical condition may prohibit you from |
| treatment, so it must be done under the close | | | | some treatments. It may be wise for you to |
| supervision of the dermatologist. On the good | | | | read more before you proceed with these |
| side, over 80% of patients are permanently | | | | treatments used to control and cure acne. |
| cured of acne. It was once thought that liver | | | | |