Acne, you don’t have to live with it!
Acne is a very common skin problem characterised by blackheads and whiteheads and pus-filled spots. Although we tend to associate acne as a teenage problem, here at Elan Medical Skin Clinic, we see acne in men and women of all ages.
Acne can vary in severity from a few spots on the face to quite a significant problem on the face, chest, shoulders and back.
It is not just the acne that can have a significant impact on self-confidence, the scarring and altered skin pigmentation that is left behind when the spots clear up can also cause a lot of distress.
Unfortunately, many doctors can trivialise the effects acne can have on a person’s confidence, self-esteem and quality of life. Having spent over 30 years working within medical dermatology, Sue Ibrahim is passionate about treating acne early and effectively as she fully understands the consequences of living this spots on a daily basis. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, we take the time to listen to your concerns and devise a management plan to get your skin looking great again!
What causes acne?
The oil-producing (sebaceous) glands are particularly sensitive to certain hormones present in both males and females. These hormones stimulate the production of excess oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores clog up the follicles. As a result, there is a build up of oil, producing blackheads and whiteheads. Acne bacteria lives on everyone’s skin and in those prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which the bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red, pus-filled spots that can be quite uncomfortable.
Some acne can be caused by medication given for other medical conditions or by certain contraceptive pills or injections. Some tablets taken by body-builders contain hormones that can trigger acne and other problems.
How will your acne be diagnosed?
There are several varieties of acne that Sue Ibrahim will be able to diagnose at your dermatology consultation. We have extensive experience in dealing with all types of acne. We will discuss the treatment options available to you that can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring.
How can acne be treated?
Acne treatments fall into the following categories:
- Treatment with topical creams (prescription and/or non-prescription)
- Treatment with oral antibiotics alongside topical creams
- Treatment with oral hormones that counteract the hormones that can trigger acne
- Isotretinoin tablets (Often referred to by the trade name Roaccutane (R))
There are also a number of cosmetic dermatology treatments that can help, although these treatments are not usually offered on the NHS:
- Intralesional steroid injections
- Acne Phototherapy
- Certain chemical peels
- Surgical cyst removal
And there are treatments that can help with scarring:
- Fractional Skin Resurfacing
- Medical Micro-needling
- Plasma soft surgery
Many thousands of people have been treated by Sue Ibrahim for their acne at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex. It is our philosophy to work alongside your own GP, or a Consultant Dermatologist to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.
If you are fed up with suffering from acne or any other skin condition, why not book your dermatology consultation now!