Acne and Rosacea

Acne and Acne Rosacea have similar sounding names but they are different disease processes. Dr Sandy Martin at the prestigious Dermatology Solutions LLC Practice treats both of these skin diseases and results can be most pleasing.  We treat these problems both medically and with the use of laser.  Let’s talk about each of these:

Acne

Acne vulgaris is the common type of pimply skin condition that most all of us know well.  We have either battled it ourselves or have friends and family who have.  Acne ranges in severity from nothing more than a few plugged pores (comedones) to inflammatory pimples and pustules to severe cysts and scars. Burnt-out acne may present with nothing more than just the pitted scars that all of us recognize.

There are a host of topical and oral agents that are beneficial in acne and Martin Dermatology uses all of these, with the exception of the oral retinoid known as Accutane® (now going off the market and in its place remain several generic versions).  Dr. Martin recognizes the benefits that Accutane® may produce, but he also recognizes the severe, dangerous, and sometimes unpredictable side effects that may occur.  As a result of these side effects, Dr. Martin has made a policy decision to use such medications only when nothing else may do... and only with the most stringent consent and followup.
 

IPL or BBL Light Treatment of Acne

The laser modules that we have may be extraordinarily beneficial in treating acne.  How it does this is not completely clear.  It may be a result of reducing the activity of the bacteria Propionobacterium acnes (P. Acnes) or it may reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands.

The laser light may be used alone or for more severe acne, it may be used in combination with another chemical which is applied to the skin, known as ALA (Levulan Kerastick).  In this scenario, the ALA is applied in the office and left to rest for 30 – 45 minutes.  Then, an IPL/BBL light treatment is given in the office.  This is a fairly dramatic treatment and may substitute for those who would have taken as strong a drug as Accutane®.

Intralesional Treatment of Cysts & Nodules

For those patients who have nodulocystic acne disease, one of the best, safest, and most rapid method for improving individual acne lesions is to inject the cyst or nodule with a very dilute solution of steroid.  This not the type of steroids that we read about that the athletes and baseball players (illegally) use. This is usually dilute Kenalog™ (triamcinolone acetonide), perhaps 2.5 mg/cc.  It is quite common that the individual acne cyst or nodule will disappear or melt away within 24 hours.  This treatment may be used in conjunction with intense pulsed light or BBL.

Acne Rosacea

Rosacea is a very common skin disorder of unknown cause. It leads to a flushed or blushed appearance with prominent facial veins and sometimes a bulbous nose appearance (like W.C. Fields, or less evident, President Clinton).  There are certain factors that trigger an exacerbation or outbreak of Rosacea, and such factors vary from person to person.  For example, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, or excessive heat and sun exposure.

There are well established medical regimens that are helpful to control Rosacea and at Martin Dermatology we are well versed in the use of these regimens.  It should be understood however, there is no cure for Rosacea, there is control.

In addition to the medical regimens, Martin Dermatology is pleased to offer laser therapy, or more accurate Broad Band Light therapy treatments for Rosacea, similar to the acne treatments mentioned above.

In addition, the prominent Facial Veins can be controlled nicely with the laser.  Of course, these treatments are not covered by insurance since they are cosmetic.

The flushing and blushed appearance may be controlled very well also with Laser treatments and Martin Dermatology has a protocol to treat this as well.  It has been said, in fact, that this type of treatment is amongst the best usages for this laser device since it is quite dramatically effective.

So call today at (239) 694-7546 and lets begin a skin care regimen and/or laser treatments for your acne or Rosacea!