Medical Dermatology

Acne

What is Acne?

Acne is a common condition affecting adolescents most commonly. However it can persist into adult hood.

At Slievemore Laser and Medical Skin Care Clinic all clients are seen by a medical doctor for advice. We offer advice about medical treatments available on prescription, skin care products to use on your skin. In addition we offer glycolic peels carried out by a medical doctor.

Common features of acne are:

• Blackheads (open comedones)
• White heads (Closed comedones )
• Red bumps (papules)
• Spots containing pus (pustules)
• Cysts
• Large inflamed lumps (nodules)
• Scarring
• Pigmented areas more common with darker skin types

Acne can be graded as mild, moderate or severe depending on severity

Some General Advice

• Do not pick at spots as this increases the risk of scarring
• There is no link with diet or food so exclusion diets do not work
• Avoid oil based cosmetics, sunscreens and make- up
• Avoid extremes of temperature – saunas etc.

Acne Treatment options or cures are as follows:
What to do if you have Mild Acne
If you have mild acne you may try topical agents which are available over the counter at your pharmacy without a prescription.

• Antiseptic washes (Neostrata cleansers, Cetaphil washes, Clearasil)
• Salicylic acid preparations which exfoliate follicles and remove excess sebum or oil (Neutrogena oil- free acne Wash)
• Panozyl creams or gels to apply to affected area.

If the above are unsuccessful or your acne is more severe then make an appointment with a medical practitioner to discuss other options which require a prescription.

Prescription Acne Treatments
Topical antibiotics such as Dalacin T or Zineryt. Topical antibiotics are applied twice daily until acne is controlled. Topical retinoids are often prescribed in conjunction with topical antibiotics. E.g. Isotrex, Retin –A or Differin.

If you have Moderate to Severe Acne
The following acne treatments will be discussed with you at your consultation. Oral antibiotics such as tetracyclines, Doxycycline, lymecycline or minocyclines. Occasionally in the case of females the contraceptive pill known as Dianette may be prescribed.

If your acne is severe, developing scarring or not responding to antibiotics then Roaccutane or oral isotretinoin may be advised.

At Slievemore Laser and Skincare Clinic we are seeing an increasing number of patients suffering with adult acne. Adult acne treatment options are similar to those outlined above. 

Related Cosmetic treatments 
Acne Scarring