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Acne Treatment Today,
virtually every case of acne can be resolved. The key to getting rid of
acne lesions and preventing new ones from forming lies in knowing that:
- Resolution takes time.
- What works for one person may not work
for another.
- A dermatologist’s help may be
required.
Resolution takes time. Treatments
that promise “fast,” miraculous” or “overnight” results often capture
the attention of acne sufferers hoping for quick resolution. However,
the fact remains that acne does not clear overnight. On average, 6 to 8
weeks are needed to see initial results. Once acne significantly
improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from
re-appearing. If acne does not improve in 6 to 8 weeks, treatment may
need to be adjusted as not every acne treatment clears every case of
acne.
What works for one person may not work
for another. What is an appropriate treatment for one person may not
clear another’s acne because many factors affect resolution, including
the cause(s) of the acne, a person’s skin type and the kind of acne
lesions present.
A dermatologist’s help may be
required.
Causes of Acne
Acne develops when one or more of the following occurs: excess sebum
production, rapid production of P. acnes, skin cells shed too
quickly and/or release of inflammatory substances. For treatment to
work it must interfere with what is causing the acne. Today’s acne
treatments do one or more of the following:
- Decrease
sebum production
- Reduce P. acnes (bacteria)
- Normalize skin shedding
- Eliminate inflammation
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With so many factors affecting clearance and a multitude of
treatment options available (some only by prescription), a
dermatologist’s help can make a difference. Before prescribing
treatment, dermatologists consider several factors, including the
severity of the acne, types of lesions present, co-existing conditions,
as well as the patient’s age, skin type, lifestyle and motivation. The knowledge gained from considering
these factors allows dermatologists to create effective individualized
therapy that will resolve the patient’s acne over time and prevent new
lesions from forming.
Sometimes a dermatologist may combine two
or more treatment options. A patient may be instructed to use one
medication in the morning and the other at night. Or, two medications
may be combined in one prescription medication. Due to possible side
effects, over-the-counter medications should not be combined unless
directed by a dermatologist or other medical practitioner.
Acne responds especially well to early
treatment. Dermatologists recommend that acne be treated early to
maximize effectiveness as well as help prevent scarring.
Reference
Thiboutot, D. “New Treatments and Therapeutic Strategies for Acne.”
Archives of Family Medicine 2000: 9:179-187.
More Information
Acne Severity
Acne Therapies
Acne Skin Care Guidelines |
