Acne Vulgaris – Your Doctor’s Thoughts When Treating You

Consultation/Diagnosis

When visiting your doctor or dermatologist what thoughts will be going through their mind when making an acne vulgaris diagnosis for their patient or you? they will explain Acne vulgaris is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases and is seen in both the hospital setting and in general practice. Multiple factors are involved in the process of acne, including: an alteration in the pattern of skin formation within the pilosebaceous pores resulting in plug formation; an increase in sebum production which is influenced by hormones; the build up of Propionibacterium acnes; and the production of skin inflammation and spots.

Genetic and hormonal things may also contribute to acne spots on the face, back and chest. Better understanding of the causation of the disease has led to the development of new therapies which are directed at one or more of those implicated causative factors. Antibiotics for acne have been an important treatment for many years. Following the use of systemic antibiotics has been the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of P. acnes.

The use of non-antibiotic medications such as Benzoyl peroxide helps to lower the phenomenon of resistance and can be useful in the treating of resistant and stubborn bacterial strains. But, no one medicament is able to clear all the resistant strains completely. When viewing acne, it is paramount to take an all encompassing approach and to examine carefully for both the clinical and psychological effects of the disease process. there are forms of acne cysts/scarring and it is best to be aware of these as sufferers who are developing scarring warrant very early and strong therapy. some sufferers with acne will develop psychological problems as a consequence of their condition. Even mild to moderate acne can be associated with deep depression and suicidal tendencies.

Psychological manifestations do not always link with disease severity. Acne scarring has been shown to produce significant psychological trauma. When starting treatment, it is important to consider the aims of the acne management. Physicians will explain treatments and should be focussed on achieving the clearing up of acne, stopping scarring and, where possible, relief from any psychological stress resulting from the acne. Acne management should be commenced very early in the disease process in order to prevent scarring and it is paramount to select appropriate strategies according to the clinical symptoms and psychological events. it is also important to ensure that the patient is able to comply with the advice and management guidelines. with regard to treatment, possible adverse effects and realistic expectations should be provided. what treatments will the Physician prescribe?

Treatments
For the mild stages of acne, topical antibacterials like Benzoyl peroxide, Triclosan and Chlorhexidine gluconate will be prescribed. Skin scrubbers like Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid are also used. Antibacterials work by eradicating the bacteria in acne. The results are seen after 3 weeks and full relief may take 6 to 8 weeks.

For more severe acne, physicians prescribe antibiotics like Erythromycin, Clindamycin and Tetracycline are used usually together with Benzoyl peroxide. Typically retinoids like Tretinoin, adapaline, retinol and isotretinoin are also used. For very severe acne like cystic acne, isotretinoin is the only way.

The more recent and one of the best ways to clear acne is phototherapy (Acne light treatment). Within acne light management strategy, a fixed wavelength of light, usually a blue light or red light is used to shine on the affected area. Acne light treatment is considered one of the best acne treatments because it gives great results, has no known side effects and the event of the bacteria having resistance is very unlikely. Acne light treatment takes about 3 to 4 months.

So, there it is – that is an overview of a physician’s thought processes when treating acne in most patients.