Hands down- retinoids are the best drugs for acne. There is no better class of drugs that can erase acne like the retinoids. The majority of individuals do respond to retinoids; a few individuals may not. In these individuals, combination therapy with other drugs may be required
The majority of vitamin A derived products are good for acne. Retinoids are vitamin A derived drugs that have been around for more than 20 years.
Retinoids are not the first drugs for acne. A lot of studies exist which show the benefits of these drugs for acne sufferers. Retinoids are frequently used to treat moderate to severe cases of acne. Retinoids act by decreasing black heads and stopping the production of sebum or excess oil. Retinoids are available either as a pill or a topical lotion.
Retinoids are very potent drugs and besides acne, can help erase fine lines, and dry up oily skin. Because the drugs can cause excess drying and skin peeling, their use must be closely monitored. Retinoids should not be taken by females who intend to get pregnant or are breast feeding.
If you fail to respond to a retinoid, chances are you will not respond to any other drug.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Is oracea a good drug for my acne?
Let me make this clear- Oracea is the biggest rip off in all of medicine. Oracea is a tetracycline antibiotic and these drugs have been around for more than 50 years. All the claims about tetracyclines being a cure for acne are hogwash- tetracyclines are widely prescribed for acne but in 99% of cases the drugs do nothing. Many individuals who have used tetracyclines will attest to the fact that these drugs are a complete waste of money.
So what about Oracea?
Well, Oracea is just another fancy name for a tetracycline but it is useless for acne. The only skin disorder that may be improved by oracea is Rosacea.
Oracea should not be combined with any other medications for acne- it just increases the side effects and allergic reactions. Oracea is supposed to be taken every day as prescribed.
What to watch out for?
Avoid the sun if you take oracea as it can sensitize the skin to the UV rays and cause blisters.
Side effects of oracea include:
Mild nausea
Skin blisters
Swollen tongue
Vomiting or stomach upset
Others may develop candida in the mouth, vagina or rectal area.
Oracea is exorbitantly expensive and there is ZERO evidence that it can cure or prevent acne. There are no randomized clinical trials that have shown oracea works for acne.
Final point: Oracea is a drug that is just another tetracycline. It does zilch for your acne and costs a fortune. If you want to get rid of your acne, get your physician to write you a script for a retinoid. To date, these are the only drugs that work for acne.
So what about Oracea?
Well, Oracea is just another fancy name for a tetracycline but it is useless for acne. The only skin disorder that may be improved by oracea is Rosacea.
Oracea should not be combined with any other medications for acne- it just increases the side effects and allergic reactions. Oracea is supposed to be taken every day as prescribed.
What to watch out for?
Avoid the sun if you take oracea as it can sensitize the skin to the UV rays and cause blisters.
Side effects of oracea include:
Mild nausea
Skin blisters
Swollen tongue
Vomiting or stomach upset
Others may develop candida in the mouth, vagina or rectal area.
Oracea is exorbitantly expensive and there is ZERO evidence that it can cure or prevent acne. There are no randomized clinical trials that have shown oracea works for acne.
Final point: Oracea is a drug that is just another tetracycline. It does zilch for your acne and costs a fortune. If you want to get rid of your acne, get your physician to write you a script for a retinoid. To date, these are the only drugs that work for acne.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Why do i have acne: part 3
How does one get rid of acne scars?
If you think acne is a real hassle, then acne scars can be a real pain in the arse.
In the last few years, lasers have been developed which can help reduce acne scars. Lasers are never the first choice for acne and only used after other treatments have been tried out. Most physicians use lasers in combination with drugs to cure the resistant inflammatory acne outbreaks. The results after laser for acne scars are mediocre at best. Most of the time, you end up wasting thousands of dollars and end up with a face which looks a lot worse than what you previously had.
Finally there are a number of chemical peels which are available to treat acne. Glycolic acid is probably the best as it is gentler to the skin. However, chemical peels like laser are an adjunct to medicines for the treatment of acne. Results after chemical peels for acne scars are terrible.
Final point
So in the end, be a wise consumer, read about acne and the available treatments. Do not always stand in a queue for the latest treatment and never fall the pre and post photo routine. The majority of treatments are nothing more than a scam. Medicine is first of all a business and many health professional care more about money than your skin. Always check up the credentials of your provider, ask questions, and if in doubt get a second opinion.
If you think acne is a real hassle, then acne scars can be a real pain in the arse.
In the last few years, lasers have been developed which can help reduce acne scars. Lasers are never the first choice for acne and only used after other treatments have been tried out. Most physicians use lasers in combination with drugs to cure the resistant inflammatory acne outbreaks. The results after laser for acne scars are mediocre at best. Most of the time, you end up wasting thousands of dollars and end up with a face which looks a lot worse than what you previously had.
Finally there are a number of chemical peels which are available to treat acne. Glycolic acid is probably the best as it is gentler to the skin. However, chemical peels like laser are an adjunct to medicines for the treatment of acne. Results after chemical peels for acne scars are terrible.
Final point
So in the end, be a wise consumer, read about acne and the available treatments. Do not always stand in a queue for the latest treatment and never fall the pre and post photo routine. The majority of treatments are nothing more than a scam. Medicine is first of all a business and many health professional care more about money than your skin. Always check up the credentials of your provider, ask questions, and if in doubt get a second opinion.
Why do i have acne? part 2
How can I manage acne at home?
For those who develop acne, all oily cosmetics should be avoided. If one does wear cosmetics, they should be water based. The majority of synthetic chemicals have the ability to irritate and make acne worse. Therefore, the fewer cosmetics you wear, the better it is for your skin. Wash your face to rid of the oils and debris. Do not use harsh detergents and soaps on your face. Avoid too much sun. If you find that one particular food aggravates your acne, change your diet. Further, stop picking at your acne; it can cause severe scarring. Lastly, do not look for a cure for acne online- you will only find a lot of disappointments.
So how can I treat severe acne?
The treatment of acne is difficult. Almost everyone has an opinion on how to best treat it. For those who have persistent or inflammatory acne, it is best to seek help from a dermatologist. There are many antibiotics which can help. The latest creams and pills derived from Retinoids and can do wonders for acne. However, one should be reminded that what works for one individual may not work for another.
In the initial phase one may try to apply a topical antibiotic for several weeks and when that fails, one may try a retinoid. The Retinoids come as a cream and also as a pill. Retinoids do work well but can cause skin irritation and photo sensitivity of the skin.
One of the best acne drugs is Accutane, Accutane has been found to be an excellent treatment for acne when used under the guidance of a dermatologist. The drug is relatively safe and the two most common side effects include skin dryness and also the risk of damage to the fetus when taken by a pregnant female. Thus, Accutane is often not prescribed to females of child bearing age. Each female has to discuss this issue with the physician before taking Accutane.
For those who develop acne, all oily cosmetics should be avoided. If one does wear cosmetics, they should be water based. The majority of synthetic chemicals have the ability to irritate and make acne worse. Therefore, the fewer cosmetics you wear, the better it is for your skin. Wash your face to rid of the oils and debris. Do not use harsh detergents and soaps on your face. Avoid too much sun. If you find that one particular food aggravates your acne, change your diet. Further, stop picking at your acne; it can cause severe scarring. Lastly, do not look for a cure for acne online- you will only find a lot of disappointments.
So how can I treat severe acne?
The treatment of acne is difficult. Almost everyone has an opinion on how to best treat it. For those who have persistent or inflammatory acne, it is best to seek help from a dermatologist. There are many antibiotics which can help. The latest creams and pills derived from Retinoids and can do wonders for acne. However, one should be reminded that what works for one individual may not work for another.
In the initial phase one may try to apply a topical antibiotic for several weeks and when that fails, one may try a retinoid. The Retinoids come as a cream and also as a pill. Retinoids do work well but can cause skin irritation and photo sensitivity of the skin.
One of the best acne drugs is Accutane, Accutane has been found to be an excellent treatment for acne when used under the guidance of a dermatologist. The drug is relatively safe and the two most common side effects include skin dryness and also the risk of damage to the fetus when taken by a pregnant female. Thus, Accutane is often not prescribed to females of child bearing age. Each female has to discuss this issue with the physician before taking Accutane.
Why do i have Acne? 101
If there is one skin condition that is more depressing than the economy, it has to be acne. Acne is a very common skin disorder and affects millions of individuals. Most individuals develop some degree of acne during their lives. Why acne occurs in some individuals and not in others is a million dollar question. The simple answer is bad luck.
Where does Acne usually develop?
While most people develop acne on the face, it can also occur on the neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne is most common after puberty and the adolescent years. Acne is usually mild soon after puberty but in a few cases can develop into real ugly inflamed pimples. In most individuals, acne clears up without much hassle. However, for some unlucky individuals, acne keeps on recurring and can cause permanent scars.
What causes Acne?
No one really knows, but everyone including your grandma has an idea. There are a lot of myths associated with acne. Acne is not caused by dirt, excessive masturbation, bed wetting, eating crap, changes in the environment or personal hygiene. No matter how many times you wash or take good care of your skin, one can still get acne. Acne has no relationship to any type of food that you eat. However, once acne is acquired, there are some spicy and hot foods that can worsen the appearance.
What happens during Acne?
In Acne, the pores that secrete oil get plugged with dead skin and some debris. The excess oil collects in the pores and leads to development of white heads, blackheads or pimples. Sometimes bacteria on the skin start to grow in these oils and cause an inflammatory reaction, thus leading to a red rash which surrounds the pimple.
The exact cause of acne is not known but has been related to excess oily skin, too much male sex hormones, and a lot of bad luck
Where does Acne usually develop?
While most people develop acne on the face, it can also occur on the neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne is most common after puberty and the adolescent years. Acne is usually mild soon after puberty but in a few cases can develop into real ugly inflamed pimples. In most individuals, acne clears up without much hassle. However, for some unlucky individuals, acne keeps on recurring and can cause permanent scars.
What causes Acne?
No one really knows, but everyone including your grandma has an idea. There are a lot of myths associated with acne. Acne is not caused by dirt, excessive masturbation, bed wetting, eating crap, changes in the environment or personal hygiene. No matter how many times you wash or take good care of your skin, one can still get acne. Acne has no relationship to any type of food that you eat. However, once acne is acquired, there are some spicy and hot foods that can worsen the appearance.
What happens during Acne?
In Acne, the pores that secrete oil get plugged with dead skin and some debris. The excess oil collects in the pores and leads to development of white heads, blackheads or pimples. Sometimes bacteria on the skin start to grow in these oils and cause an inflammatory reaction, thus leading to a red rash which surrounds the pimple.
The exact cause of acne is not known but has been related to excess oily skin, too much male sex hormones, and a lot of bad luck
Friday, May 22, 2009
Blue light and Acne: part 2
The results?
As always doctors claimed that acne quickly cleared up, oil production was decreased, and everyone was happy. Further, doctors claimed there was a dramatic improvement in skin texture. The results were infinitely better than the blue or red light alone. These researchers claim that red and blue light get absorbed better in oil glands once the photosensitzer is applied and light therapy targets the acne lesions. Not mentioned was the severity of pain when intense light therapy is administered- rest assured it hurts like hell. No mention was made if the doctors were paid consultants
by the light therapy companies.
So what should the consumer do?
A word of warning- newer medical treatments are always hyped up and lots of false promises are made. This is especially true when it comes to treatment of acne. Therefore, the best advice is not to rush. Wait and see what happens. Read testimonials and ask questions. Remember, cost of this therapy is not going to come cheap. Cosmeticians and skin doctors are not into this profession just to rid of acne, but make money. If there is no acne, there is no money to be made.
So for the moment, continue washing your face, stop mucking around with your pimples, discontinue the habit of using a new type of treatment every week and never rush to get the latest acne therapy.
If your acne is excessive, use a retinoid. If your acne is mild, use home remedies and if you have only one zit, keep away from doctors- chances are they will make your face worse.
As always doctors claimed that acne quickly cleared up, oil production was decreased, and everyone was happy. Further, doctors claimed there was a dramatic improvement in skin texture. The results were infinitely better than the blue or red light alone. These researchers claim that red and blue light get absorbed better in oil glands once the photosensitzer is applied and light therapy targets the acne lesions. Not mentioned was the severity of pain when intense light therapy is administered- rest assured it hurts like hell. No mention was made if the doctors were paid consultants
by the light therapy companies.
So what should the consumer do?
A word of warning- newer medical treatments are always hyped up and lots of false promises are made. This is especially true when it comes to treatment of acne. Therefore, the best advice is not to rush. Wait and see what happens. Read testimonials and ask questions. Remember, cost of this therapy is not going to come cheap. Cosmeticians and skin doctors are not into this profession just to rid of acne, but make money. If there is no acne, there is no money to be made.
So for the moment, continue washing your face, stop mucking around with your pimples, discontinue the habit of using a new type of treatment every week and never rush to get the latest acne therapy.
If your acne is excessive, use a retinoid. If your acne is mild, use home remedies and if you have only one zit, keep away from doctors- chances are they will make your face worse.
Blue light therapy and Acne- a newer version?
If a therapy was great for acne, then one would leave it alone, market it and make a lot of money- right? Well, in my last article I wrote that intense blue light was as good as garbage. Despite claims by physicians that it works, less than 5% of individuals ever see any benefit. Even individuals who responds to blue light soon develops acne recurrence. Therefore, spending a fortune on blue light therapy is at best considered a waste of money.
Anyway, now blue light therapy for treatment of acne has been modified. At the recent meeting in San Francisco, the skin doctors got together and discussed all the new therapies for acne. The latest is combining intense blue light with a photo sensitizer. A photo sensitizer is simply a chemical that has the ability to attract light. For example if you have a small skin lesion, you apply the photo sensitizer on skin followed by light. The photo sensitizer will attract light only to the painted area and the skin lesion will be destroyed by intense localized heat. Photo sensitizers have been used to destroy various cancers- the results are not always great or reproducible.
In this study, researchers combined blue and red light to treat acne. Only 10 patients with mild to severe acne were followed. The photo sensitizer used was amino levulinic acid (ALA). This chemical was painted on acne lesions one hour prior to light therapy. Then a numbing cream was applied and both red and blue light were used to zap the acne lesion.
Anyway, now blue light therapy for treatment of acne has been modified. At the recent meeting in San Francisco, the skin doctors got together and discussed all the new therapies for acne. The latest is combining intense blue light with a photo sensitizer. A photo sensitizer is simply a chemical that has the ability to attract light. For example if you have a small skin lesion, you apply the photo sensitizer on skin followed by light. The photo sensitizer will attract light only to the painted area and the skin lesion will be destroyed by intense localized heat. Photo sensitizers have been used to destroy various cancers- the results are not always great or reproducible.
In this study, researchers combined blue and red light to treat acne. Only 10 patients with mild to severe acne were followed. The photo sensitizer used was amino levulinic acid (ALA). This chemical was painted on acne lesions one hour prior to light therapy. Then a numbing cream was applied and both red and blue light were used to zap the acne lesion.
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