Medical Dermatology

Acne

Acne is a skin condition that causes the skin to produce excess oil, which clogs pores and leads to inflammation. Acne can occur on any part of your body, but it is most common on the face, neck, chest and back.

There are many different types of acne. For example, blackheads are black bumps that form when dead skin cells clog an open pore. Whiteheads are similar to blackheads but are not exposed to the environment. Papules and pustules are red bumps that form when inflamed hair follicles become infected with bacteria or yeast. Nodules are large inflamed pimples that may cause scarring if left untreated for too long. Cysts are deep, painful lumps under the surface of the skin caused by an infection within an oil gland (sebaceous gland).

Acne Treatment

Depending on the severity there are a range of acne treatments available:

For mild acne treatment we use special anti-inflammatory, anti-comedonal cleansers, prescription-only antibiotic and anti-inflammatory creams.

For moderate acne there are oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments in combination with prescription-only creams.

Finally in cases of severe acne, Vitamin A derivatives (Oratane) are highly effective for switching off severe acne. It can reduce the size of oil glands, oil production, skin cells clogging up pores and inflammation.