Acne Treatment Options for When Traditional Treatments Don"t Work
Acne is a skin condition that affects millions of people every year.
Contrary to popular belief, acne doesn't just affect teenagers and adolescents; adults of any age can suffer with the condition.
Acne can have devastating consequences on self-esteem and confidence, and if left untreated or treated incorrectly, can lead to long-term scarring.
Many products can be bought over-the-counter, and from health shops, to help combat acne, but sometimes these treatments just aren't enough to fix the problem.
Doctors can also prescribe various creams and antibiotics which can help in some cases.
But what do you do when traditional acne treatments don't work? The first thing you should do is book an appointment to see a dermatologist.
This may seem like an expensive option, but a dermatologist can offer specialist treatment advice specific to your needs.
Weigh up the cost of one session with a dermatologist against the ongoing cost of over-the-counter pills and potions that just don't work.
Professional treatment can save you money, and time, in the long run.
Ask your doctor to recommend a reputable dermatologist, or choose someone who has been personally recommended to you, and always check out their credentials before booking an appointment.
The dermatologist will perform an examination to assess the severity of your condition, and will offer advice on how best to treat your acne.
He may prescribe oral medications, topical treatments, or a combination of the two.
These medications can be extremely powerful, but as with all prescribed drugs there are likely to be some side-effects.
Your dermatologist will be able to advise you on what side-effects you can expect, and how you can minimize these effects.
If these treatments prove ineffective, there are several other options available.
However, the following options should only be used as a last resort after all other treatments have failed and only under the care of your dermatologist.
Light Therapy Light therapy uses a combination of red light and blue light to kill the bacteria that causes acne.
It has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing the amount of spots by around three-quarters, and takes around twelve weeks for the full effects to be visible.
However, it has proved most successful in cases of mild to moderate acne, while the more severe cases are sometimes resistant to treatment.
Photodynamic Therapy Photodynamic therapy also uses light sources to treat acne, but has proved more effective at treating severe acne than light therapy.
Photodynamic therapy usually involves a course of 4 to 5 treatment sessions at 2 to 4 week intervals, depending on the severity of each case.
Skin may be red, or may even start to peel, after treatments, but these effects usually pass quickly.
Laser Therapy Laser treatments kill bacteria that can cause spots, and remove impurities from deep within the pores.
It usually takes several treatments to see visible results but the results can be completely transformative, even in the case of severe acne.
Laser therapy should not be undertaken lightly as there can be side effects, and you must check the credentials of your therapist carefully before agreeing to treatments.
Chemical Peels There are various types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to deep penetration, which can be used to treat acne.
A chemical peel is an acidic solution which is applied to the skin; it causes the outer skin layers to disintegrate so that they can be peeled away.
Chemical peels can be effective in mild, moderate, and severe cases of acne, but must be done under strict supervision of a qualified doctor or dermatologist who can monitor your progress and any side-effects you have to the treatment.
Contrary to popular belief, acne doesn't just affect teenagers and adolescents; adults of any age can suffer with the condition.
Acne can have devastating consequences on self-esteem and confidence, and if left untreated or treated incorrectly, can lead to long-term scarring.
Many products can be bought over-the-counter, and from health shops, to help combat acne, but sometimes these treatments just aren't enough to fix the problem.
Doctors can also prescribe various creams and antibiotics which can help in some cases.
But what do you do when traditional acne treatments don't work? The first thing you should do is book an appointment to see a dermatologist.
This may seem like an expensive option, but a dermatologist can offer specialist treatment advice specific to your needs.
Weigh up the cost of one session with a dermatologist against the ongoing cost of over-the-counter pills and potions that just don't work.
Professional treatment can save you money, and time, in the long run.
Ask your doctor to recommend a reputable dermatologist, or choose someone who has been personally recommended to you, and always check out their credentials before booking an appointment.
The dermatologist will perform an examination to assess the severity of your condition, and will offer advice on how best to treat your acne.
He may prescribe oral medications, topical treatments, or a combination of the two.
These medications can be extremely powerful, but as with all prescribed drugs there are likely to be some side-effects.
Your dermatologist will be able to advise you on what side-effects you can expect, and how you can minimize these effects.
If these treatments prove ineffective, there are several other options available.
However, the following options should only be used as a last resort after all other treatments have failed and only under the care of your dermatologist.
Light Therapy Light therapy uses a combination of red light and blue light to kill the bacteria that causes acne.
It has been shown to be extremely effective in reducing the amount of spots by around three-quarters, and takes around twelve weeks for the full effects to be visible.
However, it has proved most successful in cases of mild to moderate acne, while the more severe cases are sometimes resistant to treatment.
Photodynamic Therapy Photodynamic therapy also uses light sources to treat acne, but has proved more effective at treating severe acne than light therapy.
Photodynamic therapy usually involves a course of 4 to 5 treatment sessions at 2 to 4 week intervals, depending on the severity of each case.
Skin may be red, or may even start to peel, after treatments, but these effects usually pass quickly.
Laser Therapy Laser treatments kill bacteria that can cause spots, and remove impurities from deep within the pores.
It usually takes several treatments to see visible results but the results can be completely transformative, even in the case of severe acne.
Laser therapy should not be undertaken lightly as there can be side effects, and you must check the credentials of your therapist carefully before agreeing to treatments.
Chemical Peels There are various types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to deep penetration, which can be used to treat acne.
A chemical peel is an acidic solution which is applied to the skin; it causes the outer skin layers to disintegrate so that they can be peeled away.
Chemical peels can be effective in mild, moderate, and severe cases of acne, but must be done under strict supervision of a qualified doctor or dermatologist who can monitor your progress and any side-effects you have to the treatment.