How Dermatologists Can Help With Acne Treatment
By Maurie Backman | Published on August 24, 2009 | 0 Comments
Whether it’s the occasional outbreak or a consistent stream of pimples, many teenagers and young adults suffer from some form of acne at one point or another throughout their lives. Fortunately, many effective acne treatment options are available these days to combat those pesky pimples. If your skin has fallen victim to an acne attack, then make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss which type of acne treatment is right for you.
What is acne treatment?
The word “acne” encompasses all types of breakouts of the skin, from the lighter version of slightly-clogged pores to the more extreme cases of glaring red pimples. Acne can occur in multiple places on the body, including the face, neck, back, arms, and chest. While less extreme cases of acne might clear up on their own or with over-the-counter products, the more severe cases can lead to permanent scarring if not properly treated.
There are many causes of acne. Contrary to a once-popular myth, sweets and chocolate do not definitively cause acne, though the better one’s diet, the healthier his skin is bound to be. Many factors can play a role in acne flare-ups, including genetics, stress, and change in hormones.
For lighter cases of acne, an over-the-counter cream or cleanser might do the trick, and a dermatologist might not be needed. However, for recurring or more severe cases of acne, a dermatologist should be consulted so that he can do a thorough skin examination to determine the cause and best possible treatment for acne.
A dermatologist will use your age, symptoms, and family history as a means of determining the cause of your acne. To help your dermatologist unlock any underlying patterns, it’s a good idea to keep a skin log for at least a few weeks prior to your dermatology appointment. Be sure to record your most significant acne flare ups and, if possible, keep a record of the foods you ate in the days leading up to the outbreak.
To ensure that you receive the proper acne treatment, you’ll need to make your dermatologist aware of any medications you are taking, as well as any makeup or skin care products you use on a consistent basis. This information might help your dermatologist decide whether or not your acne is a side effect of something else (such as a medication you are taking) or an independent problem requiring prescription treatment.
Acne treatments include topical creams, pills, or a combination of both. A dermatologist will usually start the patient off on a moderate dose of antibiotics and/or topical cream to combat the problem. If those treatments are ineffective after a number of months, then the dermatologist might consider giving you a more extreme drug that often works when other medications don’t.
Who needs acne treatment?
Anyone suffering from acne on a somewhat consistent basis should seek acne treatment to combat the problem. Acne used to be thought of as a teenage plague, but these days, more and more adults find themselves suffering from acne as well. Whether you’re gearing up for an office presentation or the high school prom, a pimply face can cause embarrassment and wreak havoc on one’s self-esteem. A dermatologist can help nip your acne problem in the bud so that you can focus on the more important aspects of life without having to worry about impromptu breakouts.
Benefits of acne treatment
The benefit of acne treatment is clear, pimple-free skin and the boost of self-esteem that goes along with it. Acne treatment can help improve not only your appearance, but your outlook and state of mind.
Many people – teenagers especially – tend to shy away from social situations when acne flare ups occur. Acne treatment can get rid of the problem so that your skin doesn’t have to interfere with your social life.
Risks of acne treatment
Some forms of acne treatment come with their share of side effects. One notable example is the prescription drug Accutane. Though effective in treating the most severe cases of acne, Accutane has been linked to severe depression leading to suicide in teenagers. In fact, Accutane was recently pulled from the U.S. market completely, and while the move is being publicized as an “economic decision,” it was undoubtedly influenced by countless lawsuits resulting from the drug’s many side effects. Since generic versions of the drug are still available, patients should continue to be aware of the potential hazards involved in treatment. Less dangerous but more common side effects include moderate mood swings, drowsiness, and dry mouth and skin. Your dermatologist will schedule the necessary follow-up appointments to monitor your progress on whatever acne medication has been prescribed to ensure that the side effects are not putting you in jeopardy.
Another problem with acne treatment is that it sometimes causes the problem to get worse before it gets better. Many acne medications specifically come with the warning that symptoms are likely to increase for a period of time before eventually diminishing or clearing up. While this might not pose any danger to the patient, it can certainly take a toll on his mental state and outlook. A good dermatologist will prepare the patient for this possibility and do his best to assure the patient that any such setback is only temporary.
The bottom line
Acne treatment is not a one-time magic cure. For many, finding an effective acne treatment is a trial and error process. Most people seeking acne treatment need to be patient, as results do not tend to happen overnight. However, once the right acne treatment begins to kick in, you’ll start to notice a marked improvement in your skin, and over time, your acne problem will become a thing of the past.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.