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What is acne?
Acne is a persistent skin condition that appears as an outbreak of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads or cysts. The sebaceous glands produce oil to keep skin supple, acne occurs when excess oil and dead skin cells block the opening of pores enabling bacteria to grow, causing inflammation.
What treatments are available?
Your dermatologist will discuss with you which treatments will be most beneficial for you. There are a range of oral and topical medications that are effective in clearing up acne.
Hormonal agents, such as the contraceptive pill may be effective in decreasing acne in women. The pill blocks the stimulatory effect that andogens (male hormones) have on the sebaceous glands of the skin, decreasing oil or sebum production.
Antibiotics, are used for inflammatory acne and work by controlling the bacteria that cause acne. Antibiotics have an anti-inflammatory action, which can reduce redness, swelling and pain.
Retinoids, are the most effective treatment for severe cystic acne. They work by reducing sebum and oil production, unblocking pores and preventing pores from re-blocking. They can be applied topically (to the skin) or taken orally.
You may need other forms of treatment in combination with medication, some effective treatments are described below.
Acne Laser (Thermascan)
Is a non-invasive laser procedure, with no down time. Cooling technology protects the sensitive surface layers of the skin, allowing the laser light to penetrate to a deeper level and stimulate new collagen growth. Collagen remodeling allows the skin to repair acne scaring. For treatment of current acne, the acne laser heats the sebaceous glands in the dermis of the skin leading to a reduction of oil production.
The protective cooling plate is applied to the skin, allowing the laser light to pass through the upper layers of skin and stimulate the cells responsible for collagen and oil production. The results continue to multiply after your treatment over many months thus improving acne and scarring.
Acne Clinic
Lake Macquarie Dermatology are now providing a service for acne patients by conducting regular Acne Clinics.
To minimise appointment waiting times we will be conducting The Clinic two afternoons a week.
The Clinic will involve a comprehensive consultation and provide patients with informative treatment options. This service will be supervised by our Registered Nurses in consultation with Dr. John Relic. Please call the Practice if you would like to make an appointment to the Acne Clinic. Referrals are necessary.
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