Acne Treatments
Acne is typically a combination of hormones, surface bacteria on the skin and fatty acids in oil glands, producing an undesirable result that plagues men and women, young and old. The good news is that there is a wide variety of treatment options for patients to boost their self esteem and give them more confidence in their skin. Read on to learn about the different treatment options available at Stockton Dermatology’s Phoenix office.
Accutane
For patients who have severe cystic acne and have tried treatment such as benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin with no response, a prescription medication called Accutane may help. This medication works by decreasing the amount of oil the face produces. It can also prevent future acne scarring.
Patients who first start taking Accutane may notice that they acne worsens during initial treatment. This is normal and a part of the purging process. Many patients find the full benefit of Accutane 1-2 months into taking the oral medication.
Acne Cryosurgery
Dry ice treatment, also known as acne cryosurgery, is a procedure that reduces scarring left behind by previous acne outbreaks. It is administered using either super cold carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. It may be administered with acetone in a slushy-like combination.
Acne cryosurgery consists of using extreme cold to cause ice crystals to form inside the skin cells affected by acne. This causes those cells to tear apart. The extreme cold also prevents blood flow to the treatment area and eliminates the whiteheads and blackheads in the upper layer of the skin. Dry ice also unclogs the pores in the face.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin is a popular topical antibiotic that comes in a solution, gel or lotion. Patients apply it to acne-prone and acne-infested areas of the face twice a day.
Erythromycin
Another popular antibiotic treatment is erythromycin and is safe for pregnant women. This gel or ointment is applied twice a day as well. Tetracycline and metronidazole are other antibiotics that may be options to consider.
If you are concerned about acne or acne scarring, call (480) 610-6366 for a consultation.
