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Acne
Most of people may have acne some time or other in our lifetime. It is a common follicular disease as a result of pore blockage by sebum and other keratinous materials, which forms a visible comedo. It may cause significant psychosocial disturbance and stress. Acne is a chronic pilosebaceous unit inflammatory disorder. It is related to the sex hormones which explains the high prevalence during puberty, others like genetic, environmental factors (inappropriate cosmetics use, dietary, self squeezing) also play a role.
Treatment depends very much on the type and severity of acne. Appropriate skin care is mandatory, use of non-comedogenic agents, therapeutic cleansers may help in disease control. Topical agents like retinoids and anti-inflammatory agents are helpful on modest cases by unclogging pores and preventing moedo formation. Short course of oral antibiotics may be needed if there are inflammatory lesions. Oral therapy with isotretinoin (vitamin A derivative) can be considered in severe selected cases.
Complications of acne like acne scar and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be improved by resurfacing treatments like AHA chemical peels, various lasers such as Fractional Laser.
Procedures that your dermatologist may recommend in combination with medication including:
Steroid injection: Cortisone shot can be used to target large and painful blemishes by injecting steriod directly into the affected site, it can be used on the face or body. Steroid injections can improve appearance quickly.
Extraction of whiteheads/ blackheads: Using safe and sterilized tools to remove whiteheads or blackheads in th pores
Chemical Peeling: Superficial peels using concentrated glycolic acid, salicylic acid can help unclog pores and improve the appearance of the skin. Most people may experience mild facial redness after the peeling treatment, but this usually fades and disappears within 48 hours.
