What is acne?
Acne can be a very different problem for different people. For some, acne may involve the odd spot whereas for others it causes persistent, large inflamed pustules and nodules which may cause the skin to scar. We help a large range of people of varied ages with the whole spectrum of acne.
What types of acne are there?
Acne may be comedonal in which there are many blackheads (open comedones) and tiny skin coloured bumps (closed comedones). Acne may also be inflammatory, in which there are red spots (papules) and puss heads (pustules). Severe acne can lead to the formation of large lumps (nodules) and cysts. Greasy skin may or may not be present.
Who gets acne?
Acne is common during teenage years. It seems to be becoming more frequent among adults, with almost 30% of 20 year olds and 20% of 30 year olds suffering with recurring outbreaks.
Why does acne need treatment?
Several research studies have shown that acne causes low self-confidence and a poor quality of life. Treating acne leads to a measurable improvement in quality of life. Treating acne early will also prevent scarring.
What causes acne?
There are 3 main factors:
- Cells lining hair follicles become ‘sticky’. This causes the hair follicles to clog up.
- A lot of sebum is produced by sebaceous glands, and if hair follicles are clogged, the sebum builds up.
- Overgrowth of Proprionobacterium acnes, a skin bacteria that likes sebum and causes inflamed pussy spots.
What treatments are available for acne?
Dr Martin-Clavijo will be able to advise you on the best treatments suitable for your acne. The treatment we provide is tailored to your skin type and category of acne. With this, we hope to achieve a response as fast as possible.
Latest therapies are used, including:
- Skin care regime for your skin type
- Topical therapies – which include prescription medications such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and nicotinamide
- Antibiotics
- Manual extraction or hyfrecation of comedones
- Roaccutane
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
How effective are acne treatments?
Acne is a chronic condition for most individuals. Luckily current treatments for acne are very effective, with almost 100% of patients deriving improvement and a significantly clearer complexion.