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Archive for the ‘Acne’ Category

Isolaz for Rosacea Treatment on Good Morning America: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Not only has the Isolaz treatment been beneficial to my patients suffering from acne, but it is also an excellent treatment for rosacea as highlighted in this clip from Good Morning America.  The features of Isolaz treatments that I like best are that they are safe and effective for all skin types, they are painless, there is no downtime and there is an overall improvement in the skin’s appearance.  Call our office for more details!

 

Adult Acne - Even Grown Ups get the Acne Blues: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

If you have adult acne you are not alone!  Adults comprise 46% of dermatologist’s acne patients.  Angst over acne is also not confined to teens.  Roughly 3 in 10 adults with acne would rather change their skin than any other physical attribute, including body weight and wrinkles!  41% of adults state that acne negatively effects their self-confidence and 52% say it’s more stressful than having it as a teenager.

In my practice I have seen patients with even mild acne cancel social plans when they have a breakout and fall into depression over chronic acne.  Despite this, only about ½ of acne patients say they use their acne medications consistently and correctly.  Dermatologists estimate that it is really only 2%.  Acne medications must be used everyday, even when the skin is clear to be effective, but we all live in a state of hope (maybe it’s gone forever) and denial if our skin is clear then we stop our treatments.  As soon as we break out we restart.  Unfortunately, by that time it is too late.  Patients with acne need to  see their treatment as essential to their skin health as tooth brushing and flossing is to dental health.

 

Spotlight on Acne: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, July 27th, 2009

On its website and on the air, CBS News (7/23) discussed adult acne. In a segment on The Early Show, dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, “spoke to Maggie Rodriguez about various solutions for chronic adult acne.” According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “acne is a disease that can affect anyone beyond puberty, and it’s the most prevalent skin condition in the United States…with almost 50 percent of adults suffering from some form of” the condition. Dr. Graf explained what triggers adult acne (genetics and hormones), “who generally suffers from it” (most often women), and “the latest treatments.” If self-treatment at home with cleansers containing salicylic acid or 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide are not effective, Dr. Graf recommended that people with adult acne see a dermatologist “who may prescribe” retinoids, “antibiotics, or special topical creams.”

We see patients of all ages who are frustrated and embarassed by their acne.  Acne can be a difficult condition to improve, which is why our office offers so many options to help patients.  Our treatments include chemical peels and  Silkpeel Dermalfusion to exfoliate skin and clean out pores.  We also have Isolaz, which uses a vacuum suction to clean out pores followed by a light treatment to destroy acne causing bacteriea.  The Levulan Photodynamic Therapy treatment for acne involves the application of Levulan, a photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with laser.  Levulan PDT inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and reduces the activity of sebaceous (oil producing) glands in the skin.

Getting acne under control may also include hormonal  manipulation with  birth control pills or spironolactone, antibiotics or Accutane for refractory cases.  Topical treatments include Retin-A, a chemical that promotes skin exfoliation to reduce clogged pores.  Benzoyl Peroxide to reduce sebum (oil) on the skin.  Salicylic acid helps slow down shedding of the cells inside follicles, preventing clogging.  It also helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.  Topical antibiotics work by killing bacteria. This not only helps reduce the small infections in the pores, but also indirectly keeps the pores open.

One of the most gratifying parts of my job is to treat patients with acne and get results.  Nothing is more rewarding than to see the positive transformation in attitude and self-confidence of patients who suffer from this condition.  No longer do patients feel hopeless or depressed because of their skin.  If you have always thought you had to just put up with your acne, consult with a dermatologist - start looking and feeling your best today!

 

Skin Issues Go More Than Skin Deep - Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

As highlighted in Dermatology Times, people with skin problems of all kinds are most likely to also experience depression, anxiety or psychosis, according to a study presented at the annual Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting.

The study, conducted by the National Health Interview Survey, found that 30 percent of people with skin diseases reported depression versus 15 percent without skin problems.

I am so glad the devastating mental and physical effects of skin diseases are finally being recognized.  I often see depression in patients with skin problems, especially those with scarring acne conditions.  The medical community is now viewing acne as a potentially life-altering disorder, not just a phase to get through during puberty.  Teens and adults alike do not need to put up with acne, but should seek care from a dermatologist.  The best course is immediate treatment and a long-term plan to reduce the acne and prevent scarring.  Proper treatment can also help alleviate the psychological effects acne can have on a person’s well being and keep their self-esteem up!

 

Its better to get the pus out of a pimple by popping it - true or false?

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

False! The truth is, even though it’s satisfying to release the pus, when you squeeze a pimple you end up just pushing a lot of it in deeper.  The pus spreads under the skin, causing more breakouts, scarring and possible infection. Please try not to pick.  However, if you absolutely cannot resist, be sure and do it right. Don’t squeeze and pop the pimple.  Instead, apply a warm washcloth for 10 minutes.  Use something called a comedone extractor - an inexpensive tool that can be purchased at most beauty supply stores. Apply firm pressure with the extractor to the pimple, then roll it across.  If you must fuss with pimples consider buying a Zeno! Its a safe, effective acne zapping device available in our office and on our website.  It deflates zits and gives you the feeling that you are doing something proactive. Even better prevent  pimples from occurring by seeking professional advice from a dermatologist!

 

Successful Acne Treatment without Antibiotics!

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

It is important for me to offer my patients the latest advances in acne treatments.  Not everyone has success with topicals or oral antibiotics in treating their acne.   For these patients, I am very excited to have Isolaz Photopneumatic Therapy available at the office.  This treatment is FDA approved, painless, has no “down-time” and is proven to reduce acne breakouts.  The procedure starts with a gentle vacuum suction to clean pores of dirt, oil, etc.  Laser is then applied to help destroy acne causing bacteria and reduce oil gland activity.  Patients should notice a marked improvement in their skin after a series of treatments.  Once the series is complete, they should plan on having occasional treatments to maintain their results.  Patients using topicals and/or taking oral medications can also benefit from this treatment.  It can boost their results or clear up their skin more quickly if they have a bad breakout.  While there is no cure for acne, Isolaz is a wonderful option for people who have not found help with other therapies.  Please contact our office for more details.

 

You Don’t Grow Out of Acne

Monday, April 6th, 2009

Acne can fluctuate throughout a person’s lifetime.  The notion that only teenagers have acne and its something you’ll eventually “outgrow,” misrepresents this medical condition.  Recently, the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne (a group of 20 recognized dermatologists, representing multiple countries) recommended that acne be defined as a “chronic disease.”  Thinnking of acne in these terms will help the medical community and patients shape better approaches toward treatment.  Both adults and teenagers with problem skin need a long term plan with proper care to keep it in check.  Adults should never feel embarassed or feel they are too old to get breakouts as they can be triggered by hormones, stress and a variety of other factors.  Acne left untreated can have a major impact on one’s physical appearance and emotional well being no matter what your age, so it is always important to seek medical advice.

 

Use of Prescription Topicals to Successfully Treat Moderate Acne

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Patients will often be prescribed a topical retinoid and/or benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotic to treat their moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne.  In addition to their topical regimen, oral antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Minocycline may also be prescribed for a limited duration of time.  It is absolutely key for patients treating acne in this manner to continue their prescribed topical skin care products while taking the antibiotic and even after they have completed their course.  Continued use of topicals will help keep “plugs” from re-forming in the skin, which become the seeds for acne formation and breakouts.  Patients sometimes stop or become less consistent in the use of their topicals due to seeing a marked improvement in their skin from the antibiotic or due to undesirable side effects from the topicals.  This can lead to a setback in controlling the acne and be very disappointing for patients.  I always encourage patients to contact our office should they have difficulty using any of the products or any undesirable side effects occur.  There are many treatment options available and we can fine tune a program to fit your individual needs.

 

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