Female Speaker: You have tried just about every cleanser and ointment at the drug store, but nothing seems to clear up your severe acne. In this video, we will look at your other options.
Dr Hadley King: Acne is a skin condition in which the body's pores become blocked and inflamed. Nearly 40 % of acne sufferers have what is known as severe acne which results in chronic, painful lesions that spread over the entire face. These blemishes don't respond to over-the-counter treatments.
Most sufferers of severe acne are men. That's because male hormones called androgen send the skin's oil glands into overdrive, generating even more blemishes.
Severe acne sufferers may have blemishes known as nodules or cyst. Nodulocystic Acne penetrates deeper into the skin in milder forms and is usually more painful and inflamed.
Your dermatologist will help determine the best course of action to treat your sever acne. You may need to be patient during this process because it can take time to find a treatment method that works for you. Prescribed oral antibiotics fight acne by killing the common bacteria, usually found on the skin and decreasing inflammation.
Your doctor may prescribe one of any number of common antibiotics like Tetracycline and Doxycycline, gradually reducing your dosage as your acne clears up.
Patients who don't respond to antibiotics, maybe prescribed Isotretinoin, a medication that is marketed both as a generic and under the brand name Accutane.
This synthetic drug, which is taken in pill form, is one of the most effective forms of acne treatment. Isotretinoin reduces oil production, clears clogged pores, kills bacteria and soothes inflammation.
After one 20 week course of treatment, most patients remain acne free. If blemishes resurface years later, they can usually be controlled after another round of treatment.
Isotretinoin isn't for everyone. Potential side effects include hair loss, and dry mouth and skin. More serious effects include depression, suicidal thoughts and birth defects, but ask your doctor for a complete list of the risks.
Another long term prescription treatment for acne is only available to women. Oral contraceptive. Some birth control pills suppress the skin's oil producing glands resulting in reduced acne.
If prescription methods prove ineffective, there are several in-office procedures that can help particularly resistant blemishes. Injecting diluted corticosteroids into an extremely inflamed blemish can prevent it from rupturing and causing a scarring. A single injection of diluted corticosteroids works over a few days to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Your doctor may also express or drain individual lesions that don't respond to medicinal treatment. This acne surgery is not unlike popping the pimples but it is performed with sterile tools in a safe way that won't spread the blemishes or leave scars.
While severe acne can be painful and embarrassing, these blemishes are treatable. Remember, no matter what acne therapy you use, it's imperative to follow your dermatologist's instructions carefully.
Female Speaker: Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.
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