Acne

Annoying, painful and sometimes permanent, acne is a natural part of life -- worse for some than others. The exact cause of acne is unknown although many speculate multiple factors are involved. First are hormones, more specifically androgens (male sex hormone.) During certain times of life, like puberty, pregnancy and menopause these hormones cause oil producing glands in the skin (sebaceous glands) to produce more sebum. In combination with the shedding of keratinocytes that line hair follicle wall, bacteria accumulate. Our body attacks the bacteria and acne develops.

Different types of acne respond to different therapies. Over the counter (OTC), prescription, and holistic treatments can be used in combination or alone to control acne. Acne treatments are categorized by severity of acne. For instance:

Treatment for blackheads, whiteheads, and mild inflammatory acne:

Topical preparations of:

1. Benzoyl peroxide -- destroys acne causing bacteria, may reduce oil production.
2. Resorcinol -- breaks down whiteheads/blackheads.
3. Salicylic Acid -- decrease shedding of keratinocytes, and breaks down whiteheads/blackheads.
4. Sulfur -- breaks down whiteheads/blackheads.

***These preparations come in gels, creams and lotions. May cause some local irritation at first, if it doesn't resolve see your doctor. These treatments are very effective but must be used regularly, may take up to 8 weeks to see best results.

Treatment for Moderate to Sever Inflammatory Acne:

Prescription Topical and Oral meds, alone or in combination:

1. Oral/Topical Antibiotics -- reduce inflammation and stop or slow growth of bacteria. Examples include: tetracycline, minocycline and doxycycline; clindamycin and erythromycin. **MAY decrease efficacy of birth control pills.
2. Vitamin A derivative (retinoids) -- topical -- allows other medicines such as antibiotics to enter the follicle by unplugging comedones (pimples). Examples of this drug include: Retin-A; Tazorac.

Treatment for Hormonally Influenced Acne in Women

Prescription oral medications:

1. Birth control pills -- help suppress androgen produced by ovaries. Examples: Yasmin, ortho tri cyclen lo.
2. Low dose corticosteroid drugs -- help suppress androgen production by adrenal glands. Examples: prednisone, dexamethasone.
3. Antiandrogen drugs -- reduce excessive oil production. Example: spironolactone.

Holistic Therapies:

1. Vitamin A 25000 IU - 2 caps twice a day -- decreases sebum production
   **use of high dose vitamin A may be toxic if used for prolonged periods of time; NOT to be used if want to get pregnant or is pregnant
2. Zinc Picolinate/copper picolinate (double strength) -- 1 cap 3 x a day (corrects a deficiency) / 1 cap daily (balances zinc)
3. Chamomile astringent -- wipe clean face with cotton soaked pad -- natural antiseptic, kills bacteria

If simple OTC therapies are unsuccessful it is important to make an appointment for further discussion of a personal regimen that is right for you. If persistent acne is not treated properly it can lead to lifetime scarring. Please contact our office with any questions or if you would like help controlling your breakouts!