HEALTH & BEAUTY :: JUNE/JULY 2007
Put Your Best Face Forward
Does it break your heart when your child cries because of their complexion? They don’t need to hide anymore. There are effective treatments out there that can help. Before you can tackle the problem, you need to know what you’re facing.
What is acne anyway? Acne is an inflammatory condition of the oil glands of the skin. Due to improper exfoliation, oil glands become blocked. Acne typically starts during puberty since that is when oil glands increase their production. Acne can also occur during the 30’s and 40’s. This can be due to hormonal changes such as menopause, changes in one’s menstrual cycle or even pregnancy. Overproduction of androgens like testosterone have also been implicated.
Does too much chocolate cause acne? There is no direct link between diet and acne. However, some people will react more than others so acne prone patients do need to understand what triggers their acne. Stress, hormones, cosmetics and medications have also been implicated as causative agents of acneic skin.
So what are the options available for treatment? Let’s start with the basics. Wash your face. Acne patients need to wash their faces twice daily – even if you are not wearing make-up. Sounds simple doesn’t it? In reality, most adolescents acne would improve by almost fifty percent if they washed regularly. Acne cleansers should contain one or more of the following components, benzyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid is anti-bacterial in nature. Glycolic acid is an active exfoliator and dries surface oils.
Once you get a skin care regimen prescribed, the patient can then move to active treatment of acne. There are several options at this stage. Topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics can help cystic acne. Direct treatment with injectable steroid solution can be done by a trained professional. Topical retinoids like Retin-A can be very effective, but one has to be prepared for some active peeling until the skin be-comes acclimated. Accutane is a prescription medication that has been very effective in treating severe acne. Treatment duration averages around 6 months time, but is patient specific. Not all patients are candidates for Accutane, check with your doctor if your son or daughter is a candidate. Accutane usage requires that all women of reproductive age actively use two forms of birth control while on the medication. Regular lab work is also involved.
Non-medicinal treatments are also available. Regular skin care treatments including facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, light therapy, and lasers are available. Physician grade skin care products can be a great alternative to prescription medicine. Every patient is different therefore every patients treatment will be different. One child may need Accutane, while another will need only a better skin care regimen.
Your child doesn’t need to hide anymore. There are multiple treatments available for the active treatment of acne. Talk to your children, listen to them – they want to treat their acne. Call your doctor or your skin care specialist today so they can start treatment tomorrow.
Susan Kirchdoerffer, D.O., is the Medical Director of Reflections, located at 2036 Foulk Road, Suite 101, Wilmington, DE. Reflections is open Monday through Friday and every other Saturday. Evening appointments are available. Call 302-246-2306 today to schedule a free consultation and start indulging yourself. Reflections, A Medical Spa – How do you look in the mirror?
