What
causes acne?
Most people
develop acne during adolescence. It is most prevalent in those aged
16 to 18 years. The reasons are due to sex hormones and overgrowth
of the skin cells at the surface of the skin. Typical skin changes
include a greasy skin (seborrhoea), comedones (blackheads &
whiteheads), and inflammatory spots (pustules). Persistent severe
inflammation can lead to scarring and small pits.
Which treatments are effective?
Your
GP will typically prescribe topical cleansers, topical antibiotics
and oral antibiotic treatments. These are fairly effective for mild
to moderate acne. More severe disease may be helped with the oral
contraceptive pill (Dianette). If these treatments fail, a specialist
opinion is usually necessary. We have four dermatologists in the
clinic who can advise about specialist treatments.
Specialist Therapies at Hove Skin Clinic:
Chemical Peels (Tricholoacetic Acid/Jessners Solution)
We offer a range of chemical peels in the clinic
for the treatment of superficial acne scarring and pigment disturbance.
Dr Shergill and Dr Hextall specialise in this technique. Medical
chemical peeling is much deeper than offered by beauticians and
other therapists. It can cause shedding of the skin for 5-7 days
and we would notmally expect patients to book for a consultation
prior to a peel to assess whether the treatment will be of benefit
and to discuss any potential risks.
Intense
Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
In recent years, it has been shown acne can
be improved by laser thrapy with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The
IPL travels deep into the skin to switch-off inflammation and improve
redness. We recommend 3-4 sessions of treatment at 4-weekly intervals.
At the clinic we have two IPL lasers that can be used to treat acne
safely. IPL sessions cost £80-£120. Please telephone
to book an appointment directly with one of our specialist nurses
or aesthetic practitioners.
Blue
Light Therapy Combined with ALA (Aminolaevlunic Acid)
We are one of the first specialist clinics
to have blue light for treating acne. This wavelength of light (430nm)
is able to treat harmful bacteria and can be combined with a topical
photosensitiser on the skin to improve results. Several sessions
are required and the treatment is most beneficial in those patients
with inflammatory acne.
Isotretinoin
(Roaccutane)
Isotretinoin
is called a retinoid and works by stopping excess growth of the
skin surface cells, which helps unblock pores and stop inflammation.
This has a cure rate of 85% with a 4-6 month course. Side-effects
are due to a reduction in grease production that leads to dry lips,
dry eyes, and dry patches of skin on the body. Occasionally, muscle
aches can be experienced and there is a small risk of mood disturbance.
Few patients stop the drug despite side-effects. The overall benefits
outweigh any side-effects for the majority of patients. Women of
child-bearing age must use strict contraception throughout treatment
and may need monitoring throughout treatment. Only consultant skin
specialists can prescribe Isotretinoin in the UK. It is the
most effective treatment for acne.
What
treatments are available at the clinic for acne scarring?
Acne
scarring is diffuclt to treat but may be helped by Intense Pulsed
Light, Microdermabrasion, Topical retinoids (Adapalene Cream/Retin-A),
or Chemical Peels. IPL works by promoting collagen sysnthesis in
the skin and treating redness. Microdermabrasion removes the surface
skin layers and helps promote collagen re-modelling. It is usually
combined with topical retinoids to maximise results.
Chemical peeling can also help but deep peels are often required
to achieve the best results. More aggressive treatments such as
laser dermabrasion and surgical dermabrasion have become unpopular
because of side-effects that comprise of pigment disturbance (loss
of colour/increased colour) and worsening of scarring in some cases.
How
much do treatments cost at the clinic?
Isotretinoin
(Specialist Consultation Fee £80-£120 plus £120-£300
for medication)
IPL
Laser Therapy (£80 per session)
Microdermabrasion
(£79 per session)
Adapalene
(Differin)Cream (£20 per 30g tube)
How
do I book an appoinment?
Simply
telephone the clinic helpline on
01273 719834
GP
referral letters are only required if you are planning to claim
any consultation fees from your private medical insurance company.
Please note that few insurance companies will pay for medication.
