Medical Dermatology

• Acne
• Solar/Actinic Keratoses
• Alopecia Areata
• Basal Cell Carcenoma
• Bowen’s disease
• Cellulitis
• Dermatofibroma
• Discoid Eczema
• Atopic Eczema
• Melanoma
• Molluscum Contagiosum
• Rosacea
• Viral warts

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Suggested treatments are :

• skin care products
• skin peels

Related Products

D-Tox Peel
A synergistic blend of chirally-correct acids that works deep within the skin to fight bacteria and heal acne lesions. A moderatedepth peel, this soothing, calming, medical-strength exfoliating peel is excellent for all grades of acne and impure skin conditions.
 

Blueberry Smoothie
CosMedix Blueberry Smoothie is a deliciously refreshing scrub that invigorates the skin with the use of a gentle acid, and active blueberry extracts exfoliate the skin to restore a youthful glow without visible irritation. This light chemical peel is an exceptional acne treatment.
 

Acne

Acne is a very common skin condition characterised by blackheads, whiteheads and pus-filled spots (pustules).

 It usually starts at puberty and varies in severity from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest, which most adolescents will have at some time, to a more significant problem that may cause scarring and impact on self-confidence. For the majority it tends to resolve by the late teens or early twenties, but it can persist for longer in some people. Acne can also develop for the first time in people in their late twenties or even the thirties. It occasionally occurs in young children as blackheads and/or pustules on the cheeks or nose.

What causes acne?
The sebaceous (oil-producing) glands of people who get acne are particularly sensitive to normal blood levels of a hormone called testosterone, which is present in both men and women. This causes the glands to produce an excess of oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores are not shed properly and clog up the follicles. These two effects result in a build up of oil, producing blackheads (where a darkened plug of oil is visible) and whiteheads. The acne bacterium lives on everyone’s skin, usually causing no problems, but in those prone to acne, the build-up of oil creates an ideal environment in which these bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red or pus-filled spots.

Is acne hereditary?
Acne can run in families, but most cases are sporadic and occur for unknown reasons.

What does acne look like and feel like?
The typical appearance of acne is a mixture of oily skin, blackheads and whiteheads, red spots, yellow pus-filled pimples, and scars. Occasionally, large tender spots or cysts may develop that can eventually burst and discharge their contents or may heal up without bursting. The affected skin may feel hot, painful and be tender to touch.

Not all spots are acne, so if there is something unusual about the rash it may be advisable to consult your doctor.

How can acne be treated?
If you have acne but have had no success with over-the-counter products then it is probably time for you to visit your doctor. In general, most treatments take two to four months to produce their maximum effect.

What can I do?

• Try not to pick or squeeze your spots as this usually aggravates them and may cause scarring.
• However your acne affects you, it is important to take action to control it as soon as it appears. This helps to avoid permanent scarring and reduces embarrassment. If your acne is mild it is worth trying over-the-counter preparations in the first instance. Your pharmacist will advise you.
• Expect to use your treatments for at least two months before you see much improvement. Make sure that you understand how to use them correctly so you get the maximum benefit.
• Some topical treatments may dry or irritate the skin when you start using them. An oil-free moisturiser should help, but you may also have to cut down on the frequency with which you apply the treatments, for example to using them on alternate nights.
• If you wear make-up, wear products that are oil-free or water-based. Choose products that are labelled as being ‘non-comedogenic’ (should not cause blackheads or whiteheads) or non-acnegenic (should not cause acne).
• Cleanse your skin and remove make-up with a mild soap or a gentle cleanser and water, or an oil-free soap substitute. Scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin and make your acne worse.
• There is little evidence that any foods cause acne, such as chocolate and “fast foods”, however, your health will benefit overall from a balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables