DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ACNE

How Is Acne Diagnosed?

We diagnose acne by examining the face first to ascertain that you have acne and not other problems that look like acne. When we realise you truly have acne, our dermatologist London will then

• Grade the acne. Grade 4 means severe acne, while grade 1 is mild acne.
• Take note of the type(s) of acne that you have.

How is Acne Treated?

Acne has many effective treatments today, though they may not be so effective for everybody. Even though there are effective treatments for acne, not every case of acne can be controlled.

People with mild acne usually experience just a few blemishes which may include blackheads, whiteheads, papules or pustules (pimples). Mild acne can be treated with some products that can be used without a prescription. Products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide usually work for clearing the skin. Acnes do not clear overnight, so do not think they will.

Some home treatments can help you get off acne within 4-8 weeks. These treatments clear acne but the skin must be continually treated to prevents future outbreaks.

The Right Time to See the Dermatologist

For people with a lot of acnes, the medications that can be bought by you and used without a prescription may not work. The best way to get clearer skin with this condition is to meet with a dermatologist. When you do, he will offer the treatments below:

Treatments that will be applied on the skin: the commonest form of acne medicine is the one that is applied to the skin. Some of these topicals function by reducing the oil while the others work by killing the bacteria. These topicals may have prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, antibiotics or salicylic acid as an ingredient.

Treatments that work in the body: these treatments are those that you may use if you have red or swollen acne. Acne cysts and nodules usually need this kind of treatment. Any of the following may be prescribed to you by your dermatologist:

• Antibiotics which will help in killing the bacteria
• Isotretinoin (this is the only medication that works for every type of acne)
• Birth control pills and other hormonal drugs (this will make a whole lot of difference for the women)

Acne treating procedures: some procedures may be performed by your dermatologist when you visit to help you get rid of the acne. They are:

• Chemical peels: these special chemical peels cannot be bought, and dermatologists use these chemical peels to the blackhead and the papules acne.
• Laser and any other light therapy: this means is used to reduce the acne-causing bacteria p. acnes. You can only use this type of treatment if your dermatologist thinks it will be helpful to you.
• Removal of acne: this removal process is called drainage or extraction, and it is used to remove large acne cyst. This procedure is usually used if the cyst is not responding to medication. This process helps in reducing the acne pain and your chances of having a scar from the acne. Your dermatologist London will inject the cyst with medicine if you have to get rid of it immediately.

The Result

Treating acne can help in getting rid of them without having to wait forever. With these treatments, you will no longer be suffering from all the permanent scars and other negative effects of acne.

To avoid being a victim of all these negative results, we recommend that you treat acne and continue with the treatment even after it clears. You will be told by your dermatologist when you can prevent acne without undergoing treatments.

Come to us for your acne treatment. Visit us at First Floor, 117A Harley St, Marylebone, London W1G 6AT, UK. or call to book an appointment on 020 71833648.