The Private Clinic looks at various options for the treatment of acne. Roaccutane? Laser therapy? Light therapy? Antibiotics? Cleansers and face wipes? Toothpaste? The options for treating acne are almost as numerous as the amount of sufferers. Well, not quite but we hope you understand the point. It can all be a bit much when you just want to know which one will work for you. We’re here to help you wade through the options to get a better understanding of the pros and cons of the most common treatments for acne.
Acne is caused by trapped sebum (which is produced by the sebaceous glands). Trapped sebum is unfortunately a great environment for the bacterium called P. Acnes to flourish. As it numbers increase the body responds – this is inflammation. Pus can then develop and form small nodules and cysts. This may sound like a never ending cycle but the body tends to produce too much sebum in adolescence and as a result of hormonal changes so it will often lessen over the years for many people. This is little help to those living with acne in adulthood and teens with it too.
Isotretinoin is a powerful and often remarkably successful acne drug used to treat severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. There are a number of manufacturers of the drug and the most common brand name is Roaccutane. You may also come across brand names like Accutane and Isotroin.
Your GP cannot prescribe this to you, only a dermatologist in the UK – who will monitor you throughout your course. This gives you some indication of the strength of the drug. The drug should be explained to you as there are some risks involved, short-term and long-term ones. It is taken orally and the most common side effect is very dry skin and lips. A spate of suicides linked to the drug have rippled through the press and caused alarm, putting some people off. Even though we don’t offer it at The Private Clinic we still respect how it works and its effectiveness for many patients. However, it is not for everyone and that is why we offer alternatives that offer a real chance to treat your acne.
Laser Acne therapy – often the most effective treatment for people and not to be confused with light therapy. Treatments like N-Lite target lasers at the skin to destroy the bacteria, P.Acnes. The treatment also stimulates new skin growth preventing further acne scarring.
Light therapy – a less penetrating, occasionally effective alternative to laser therapy. Many clinics do not offer it as an acne treatment because they have not seen enough of an improvement when there are better treatments available.
Skin peels – these may be used alongside other acne treatments to assist with clearing up the skin. A good medical cosmetic clinic will be able to discuss the various treatment options and your suitability.
Antibiotics – typically a popular initial step for many people with acne but there is evidence of growing resistance to the antibiotics, leaving many back to square one. Naturally, it’s a good step to take so please do see your GP about getting a prescription.
Unfortunately, with acne frequently comes some sort of scarring. However, there are a number of acne scar treatments out there. Ensure you choose a reputable clinic with experienced practitioners who can discuss the upsides and downsides to acne scar treatments. Do not be seduced by a good sales pitch. There are non-laser treatments out there that just aren’t going to give you satisfactory results as they are not strong enough to remove the damaged skin.
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