Control of acne is an ongoing process. All acne treatments work by preventing new acne breakouts. Existing blemishes must heal on their own, and therefore, improvement takes time. If your acne has not improved within two to three months, your treatment may need to be changed. As your dermatologist, the treatment Dr. Rosio recommends will vary according to your type of acne.

Occasionally, an acne-like rash can be due to another cause such as make-up or lotions, or from oral medication. It is important to help your dermatologist by providing an updated history of what you are using on your skin or taking internally. Many non-prescription acne lotions and creams help mild cases of acne. However, many will also make your skin irritated, may aggravate acne, and cause what he calls “The Oily Roller-Coaster”.

Special Treatments & Topicals

• Dr. Rosio may prescribe topical creams, gels, or lotions with vitamin A acid-like drugs, benzoyl peroxide, or antibiotics to help unblock the pores and reduce bacteria. These products may cause some drying and peeling. Your dermatologist will advise you about correct usage and how to handle side effects.
• Acne surgery may be offered to remove blackheads and whiteheads. Do not pick, scratch, pop, or squeeze pimples yourself. When the pimples are squeezed, more redness, swelling, inflammation, and scarring may result.
• Medical microdermabrasion may be used to remove the upper layers of the skin improving irregularities in the surface, contour, and generating new skin.
• I sometimes use light chemical peels with salicylic acid or glycolic acid help to unblock the pores, open the blackheads and whiteheads, and stimulate new skin growth.
• Occasionally a gentle injection may be used for treating large red bumps (nodules). This may help them go away quickly and turn off the scarring process.
• New, Fast 5 minute light therapy improves most acne in 24 hours. This painless method works in most cases without drugs or injections!

Oral

• Antibiotics taken by mouth may be prescribed.
• In cases of unresponsive or severe acne, isotretinoin may be used. Patients using isotretinoin must understand the side effects of this drug. Monitoring with frequent follow-up visits is necessary. Pregnancy must be prevented while taking the medication, since the drug causes birth defects.

Prevention & Treatment of Acne Scarring:
Feel & Look Your Best! Proper Care is Necessary!

I prefer to prevent scarring, but I treat acne scars by a variety of methods. Skin resurfacing with laser, dermabrasion, chemical peels, or electrosurgery can flatten depressed scars. Soft tissue elevation with collagen or fat-filling products can elevate scars. Scar revision with a microexcision technique can correct pitted scars, and combinations of these DermaSurgery treatments can make noticeable differences in appearance. remember that you must continue proper skin care. Acne is not curable, but it is controllable; proper treatment helps you to feel and look better and may prevent scars.

To learn more about acne and acne treatments see us or log onto www.AnewSkin.info.