Treating Acne Scars
Commonly, a mild form of acne occurring in most people doesn't produce scars, or if it does, the scars heal naturally over time. But people suffering from severe forms of acne like nodular cystic acne could be left with deep scarring in the skin.
If you suffer from nodules or cyst, instead of trying out any over the counter solution, you better get assisted by a dermatologist. This is because for this form of acne you won't find any relief or comfort trying out any over the counter acne solution.
A dermatologist will commonly prescribe isotretinoin and a retinoid to alleviate a case of nodular or cystic acne. With the aid of isotretinoin, the size of oil glands that produce oil is minimized. With this, there is a decrease in the growth of microbes too. It is commonly prescribed once or twice a day, with food, for about 15- 20 weeks.
Isotretinoin is a good choice in helping you cure acne as it literally prevents scarring. And once your treatment has ended, you will most likely be healed of your acne condition. However if there is a recurrence of acne after your treatment with isotretinoin, the doctor may either prescribe some other drugs or institute another course of isotretinoin.
Even though isotretinoin is efficient in controlling acne, it can provoke birth defects in the fetus. This is why it is very important that women in child bearing age take care not to conceive a child while taking isotretinoin.
It is crucial that women use two safe types of birth control for a month before, during, and after stopping medication of isotretinoin. In fact, it is better to ask your doctor when it is considered safe to get pregnant before getting off isotretinoin.
It has also been noted that people on isotretinoin tend to get depressed by the changes of their skin's appearance. In fact, many cases of suicides and suicide attempts have been carried through by people on isotretinoin.
Other side effects of isotretinoin are muscle aches, nosebleeds, changes in blood and liver function and sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor if you observe that you are experiencing any of these side effects. The doctor may test blood before actually starting treatment, and during the treatment itself.
Post Inflammatory Acne Spots & Pigmentation
There are also spots and pigmentation related with acne that aren't exactly scars but resemble them in appearance. These disappear eventually but are visible enough to cause embarrassment. Macules are such pseudo- scars, which are sometimes produced by an inflamed acne lesion. A macule is nothing but a flat, red spot that is the final stage of any inflamed lesion. Unlike a scar, a macule might take time to disappear, but once it disappears, it leaves no trace behind.
Then there is the discoloration of skin after the healing of any inflamed acne lesion. It is more usual in dark skinned patients, but might appear in white skin also. This is known as "Post inflammatory pigmentation." It may need treatment by a specialist.
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Published December 31st, 2007
