Acne affects 40 to 50 million people in the United States every year. Many do not realize that 20 to 30 percent of these people are adults. Adult onset acne is a common phenomenon affecting mostly females and is usually hormonally mediated. No matter the age or sex of the affected individual, however, acne has the power of scarring one's psyche just as much as one's skin. The psychological impact of decreased self esteem and self confidence, increased self consciousness, anxiety and depression is enormous and far reaching.
Despite many myths, acne is not caused by eating chocolate, greasy foods or being unclean. It is a response to any or all of these four factors: increased production of sebum (oil), overgrowth of P. Acnes (a skin bacteria), increased stickiness of corneocytes (skin cells), and inflammation.
Fortunately, for acne sufferers there are many treatment options. Various topical medications are usually the first treatment choice. Although many over-the-counter or mail order preparations are available, their effectiveness is limited. Most often, treatment is best tailored by a physician using prescriptive medications, medical grade skin care programs, antibiotics or Accutane. PhotoDynamic Therapy with Levulan (ALA/PDT) now offers a new and very effective treatment modality.
An antibiotic cleanser is always the first step, and once treatment is begun, it normally takes several weeks to notice improvement. In the begining, some may even experience a mild transient acne flare. Patience is important, as there is no magical, immediate cure. Each person is unique, and treatment must be individualized. Sometimes “fine tuning” is required with the addition of new medications or the changing of current ones. Therefore, follow up visits are necessary.
Although acne can affect up to 50 percent of people at some point in their lives, effective treatment is available. Early and individualistic intervention is key to alleviating or preventing the associated psychosocial suffering and for maintaining the best cosmetic appearance possible.
To make an appointment, please call 717-560-4460.