Karen Klickmann(847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale(847) 240-1730[email protected]
Julie Bremer(847) 240-1743[email protected]EMBARGOED UNTIL OCTOBER 17, 2001
COMBINATION THERAPIES OFFER NEW MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR ACNE
NEW YORK (October 17, 2001) -- The latest chemical peels and lasers are revolutionizing the way dermatologists approach the basic skin condition of acne. For patients are dealing with acne that has not responded to topical or oral medications, dermatologists now have a variety of treatment therapies that can be used in combination to successfully treat acne. These new treatments can also be used on any lingering effects of the condition such as scarring.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update 2001, dermatologist Allison T. Vidimos, MD, Staff Member, Department of Dermatology, Section of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, discussed the latest techniques for the successful management and treatment of acne.
"Acne can have devastating effects on self-esteem because it is so noticeable," said Dr. Vidimos. "Teenagers and young adults who have acne often feel isolated and self-conscious. But now acne can be treated with combination therapies, such as chemical peels and lasers, that are having successful results."
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous hair follicles. Each follicle contains a tiny hair and multiple sebaceous glands. Under normal circumstances, sebum, the oily substance made by the sebaceous glands, travels up the hair follicle and out to the skin's surface. However, with acne, sebum is trapped within the follicle and skin bacteria multiplies within the clogged pores. Acne develops on those areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous: the face, scalp, neck, chest, back, and upper arms and shoulders. Acne typically begins in adolescence, although onset in the twenties or thirties is common.
Depending on the type of acne and the extent of the condition, acne can be treated with oral or topical antibiotics or topical retinoids, which may be used alone or in combination. Isotretinoin, a potent drug that requires close monitoring, is sometimes prescribed for severe cystic acne.
"If antibiotics and retinoids are not successfully managing acne, dermatologists can utilize chemical peels to 'unroof' acne pustules and exfoliate the skin," said Dr. Vidimos. "This exfoliations allows antibiotics and topical retinoids to penetrate the skin more easily to control acne and prevent further outbreaks."
The glycolic acid peel is one of the most common peels to treat acne. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which when used in combination with oral or topical medications, can hasten the response of acne to treatment by reducing the amount of sebum being trapped in the follicles. Glycolic acid peels exfoliate dead layers of the skin and, typically, require no downtime. These peels are performed every two to four weeks in a series of four-to-eight sessions.
The benefits of glycolic acid can also be found in cosmetic products, such as moisturizers and sunscreens, which when used daily, contribute to continued clearing of the skin. If patients are using a daily glycolic acid product, a topical or oral antibiotic can be added to this regimen, especially for those with red, swollen, or pus-filled lesions. Glycolic acid products are also considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Salicylic acid peels are also used to treat acne. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that is oil soluble and can therefore penetrate oil plugged pores. When used as a peel, the treatment can be repeated at two-to-four week intervals. However, many cosmetic preparations now include alpha and beta hydroxy acids, allowing for exfoliation of the skin on a daily basis.
Though neither oral nor topical antibiotics improve the appearance of acne scars, dermatologists have a number of treatment options for these scars, which persist long after acne disappears.
"Acne scars are unique in their appearance and often have complex characteristics that must be taken into account, like depth, shape, and location," said Dr. Vidimos. "Treating acne scarring with dermatologic surgery involves determining the individualized treatment plan which will give the patient the most successful result."
The latest treatment options for acne scarring are lasers, such as the pulsed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and the Erbium:YAG laser.
The CO2 laser vaporizes thin layers of the skin and tightens collagen fibers, which makes it an appropriate treatment for depressed acne scars. The Erbium:YAG laser vaporizes thinner layers per pass and produces very precise bursts of energy which allows for the sculpting of smaller, irregular scars. The CO2 laser treated skin heals in seven-to-10 days, while the Erbium:YAG laser treated sites heal in three-to-five days.
However, laser resurfacing is not always effective for acne scars, especially depressed, crater-like scars. An option for improving the appearance of these scars is soft tissue augmentation. Patients can opt to use their own fat from another part of their body to correct the deep contour, or they can use soft tissue fillers like collagen, hyaluronic acid or fascia lata. Because the replaced fat reabsorbs into the skin, this treatment typically lasts six-to-18 months.
"Acne scars are unique in their appearance and often have complex characteristics that must be taken into account, like depth, shape, and location," said Dr. Vidimos. "Treating acne and acne scarring involves determining the individualized treatment plan which will give the patient the most successful result."
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) was founded in 1970 to promote excellence in the field of dermatologic surgery and to foster the highest standards of patient care. The Society supports clinical and basic science research grants, provides professional continuing education of its members, and sponsors public education programs related to cosmetic, therapeutic and reconstructive skin surgery. For more information on dermatologic surgery procedures and referrals to board-certified doctors in specific geographic areas, please contact the ASDS Consumer Hotline, 1-800-441-ASDS (2737), during weekday business hours or log on at www.aboutskinsurgery.com.
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