Common Diagnosis
Acne
Acne is an affliction of the skin that consists of pimples, blackheads and cysts. It mainly occurs during the teenage years, but can also afflict older individuals as well. We have no cure for acne, but we are able to suppress it effectively enough to keep your skin clear and to prevent scarring until you no longer have acne. We do this with the following types and kinds of medications:
Antibiotics: These kill the bacteria that cause acne. Most often, antibiotics in the tetracycline class are used because in addition to killing the bacteria, they also decrease inflammation (or redness) in the skin that goes along with acne. These will be used off and on during treatment for acne depending on the severity of the acne. Antibiotics are used in both pill and topical form.
Benzoyl Peroxide: This is used to add oxygen to the skin and helps remove both blackheads and pustules (pus bumps). It also helps to prevent the bacteria causing acne from developing a resistance to the antibiotic that is being used. Benzoyl peroxide is only available as a topical medication, but comes in gel, wash or cream form.
Retinoids: The retinoids are vitamin A based medications. They increase the transition and turnover of the skin and prevent blackheads and cysts from forming. They are considered to be an exfoliant. In severe cases of acne that is scarring or acne that is not responding to the other medications prescribed, an oral (pill) form of retinoids are prescribed. Accutane is the best known of these medications, but there are generic versions available.
Light therapy: Recently, light therapy has been used to treat acne. So far, this way of treating acne has not received wide acceptance from the insurance industry and therefore it is still considered a cosmetic way to treat acne. It requires regular visits to the doctor to have the light treatment performed. Greenville Dermatology has an acne light to treat deeper cystic forms of acne.
Greenville Dermatology specializes in the treatment of acne. Make an appointment today to be evaluated and have a treatment plan tailored to your acne.