Acne vulgaris, what is commonly known as pimples is a chronic disease of the pilosebaceous units. It involves the areas rich in these sebaceous units like face, chest, back and arms. It occurs in the age group between 11 to 30 years.
What causes acne?
The four major factors involved in the etiology of acne are increased sebum production seborrhoea, comedo formation, colonization of the intrafollicular duct with P.acnes and inflammation. It affects individuals with genetic predisposition. Hormonal activity also contributes to the formation of acne. High glycemic load diet appears to worsen acne Factors including heredity, stress, hormonal changes, medications, birth control pills, heat, sun, humidity, friction against the skin, cosmetics/moisturizers, and some industrial chemicals can all trigger an outbreak.
How do they present?
It may present as comedones, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules. Milder form presents with comedones and papules with few pustules, whereas severe variety includes cysts, nodules and scars.
Treatment
Acne should be treated in the early stages to prevent scars. Milder forms are treated with topical gels. Severe variety needs to be treated aggressively with systemic medications. For scar prevention and for quick control of disease one of the following procedures may be clubbed.
- Comedo extraction is done in patients who do not respond to topical gels for better penetration of the medicine. – SAMA peel ( salicylic acid & mandelic acid )
- Pulsed dye laser
- Intralesional injection for nodules & cysts How is post acne pigmentation treated? Apart from creams, chemical peels are the best option for treatment of post acne pigmentation.
What are the treatment options for acne scars?
Depending upon the depth and type of scars, you may be suggested one of the following procedures:
- Dermaroller
- CO2 laser
- Radiofrequency microneedling
- Subscision
- Dermal grafts
- Punch techniques
Acne is a skin condition that manifests as various types of bumps including whiteheads, black heads, pimples, and cysts. When the pores of the skin become blocked with too much oil, dead skin cells, and or bacteria, the result is Acne.
IPL treatment for Acne (Blue Light therapy)
An Advanced treatment option for a most common skin problem. Acne treatment mode is one of the most important function of an IPL. Most commonly used function in my practice is this mode and it gives my patients a new approach to their acne problem. It addresses both acne and pigmentation issues in a single treatment
When & Why to do IPL for Acne:
- Patients not responding to conventional modalities (Resistance)
- Patients fed up of taking antibiotics and are looking for an alternative
- Need for a quicker recovery
Additional benefits of doing IPL in Acne:
- Post-acne Pigmentation improves along with Acne. The remaining spectrum of an IPL ( 510nm) treats pigmentary changes which is associated with acne.
- Textural and Skin tone improvement. Activation of fibroblasts cytokine secretion and the resultant stimulation of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, by the 560nm – 585nm wavelength yield a simultaneous improvement in skin color and general appearance.
- The smoother appearance of the skin is due to sebaceous gland shrinkage.
- Reduction of oiliness of skin.
