Acne Part 12

Patient Education

To avoid the disfiguring effects of acne, it is essential to educate the patient about acne. Patients need to know the facts and dispel the myths about the disorder. The acne is not related to hygiene and extensive scrubbing and use of strong alcohol based acids only worsen the disorder.

Patients should know that simple washing with warm water and soap is sufficient. Individuals with acne have to know that acne is not caused by stress but in fact acne can worsen the stress. The role of cosmetic products in the etiology of acne is overstated. Cosmetics do not cause acne but may worsen the redness and skin irritation. Oil based cosmetics generally worsen the acne.

Prognosis

Most teenagers and young adults with acne grow out of this stage by the mid to late 20s. The best treatment for acne is the combination of drugs in which a retinoid is a part of the treatment regimen.

Depending on the physician and his/her experience, the combination therapy may be variable. One needs to go to a dermatologist who has experience in treating acne. All patients with acne should be given realistic expectations about their treatment plan, along with good follow-up. These measures can contribute to the ultimate success of treatment.

The majority of individuals who get treated early for acne have excellent results. For those who have delayed their treatment, some scarring and facial disfiguring may be evident. In such cases, a visit to a cosmetic or plastic surgeon may be necessary. Today, advances in lasers can help smooth the skin and remove the facial scars. Before going to any plastic surgeon for scar removal, be informed about the various skin peeling procedures. They are not only expensive and the results are not always guaranteed.