Canada Acne Guides

  The Use Of Spironolactone To Treat Acne For women who have a pattern of acne flares during menstruation, the use of spironolactone (Aldactone) combined with a birth control pill can be helpful. It has some anti-androgen effects and if taken approximately a week before menstruation, it can prevent acne flares. SIDE EFFECTS Menstrual irregularity CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregnancy Renal insufficiency Abnormal menstrual bleeding Use of ACE inhibitors Family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or uterine cancer

  Side Effects Of Hormone Therapy Hormone therapies are always being developed to minimize side effects, however, there are some that you should be aware of if using for acne treatment. COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea Vomiting Cylical weight gain Bloating Breast Tenderness Depression Mood swings Headaches RARE SIDE EFFECTS: Blood clots Thromboembolism Stroke Retinal artery thrombosis Heart attacks Benign liver tumors Gallstones An increase in blood pressure A link with breast cancer remains controversial Failure of birth control WOMEN SHOULD NOT TAKE HORMONE THERAPY IF THEY HAVE ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS: History of coronary heart disease Very high cholesterol History of blood clots or stroke Late renal failure Jaundice Symptomatic heart valve disease Breast cancer or other estrogen dependent cancer Smokers POSSIBLE DRUG INTERACTIONS: Antibiotics may interact, for example, ampicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, cotrimoxazole Nitrofuratoin (Possible interactions with this drug are still ...

  Acne Scar Treatment Scars are the body's way of healing from an injury. It allows the skin to quickly recover, albeit in an imperfect way. Whenever the skin is damaged beyond the uppermost surface level, scars can potentially form. Acne has the potential of damaging deeper tissue, and thus, scarring is a possibility in acne. This is also a major reason why it is recommended that acne be treated early and aggressively to minimize the chance of scarring. Unfortunately with scars, once formed, they are very difficult to treat. TYPES OF ACNE SCARS Ice pick scars : The most common of acne scars, these scars have narrow but deep pits. They are most commonly found on the cheeks, and resemble small holes in the skin. Box car scars : These angular scars often occur on the cheeks and the temple area. They appear sunken, and measure more than 3 mm in diameter. Rolling scars : Rolling scars get their name from their appearance. With these scars, the skin surface appears wave-like as irregula...

  Non-Surgical Treatment There are a variety of non-surgical treatments that are available for treating acne scars. Depending on the type and severity of scar, there are many convenient solutions. COVER-UP COSMETICS Camouflage is a temporary solution, but one that is convenient and effective. No other procedure can hide a scar better for an event on the weekend. Modern camouflages are very effective and safe, making for a convenient solution. TOPICAL CREAMS For milder acne scars, topical creams can help improve their appearance. Tretinoin is a commonly used active to treat mild scarring, and other skin irregularities. For acne scars, a doctor may need to prescribe a stronger solution than one that is available over the counter. CHEMICAL PEELS Chemical peels can improve the overall tone of the skin, and make mild improvements in the appearance of minor scars. They will not make significant improvements on any substantial scarring. SKIN FILLERS Skin fillers can be used to fill in dep...

Acne Treatment Overview Acne treatment starts with understanding your specific acne type, and what improves and worsens your acne. Each skin is individual, and reacts to different factors and thus each case of acne is individual. Over the counter treatment is the most common way to deal with acne, and should be the first thing to look for. Acne Treatment - Understand Your Options Over the Counter (Non-Prescription) Acne Treatment TOPICAL TREATMENT (CREAMS) Topical treatment is the most rudimentary treatment for acne. There are several ingredients that can help contain the acne. Benzoyl peroxide in particular is found in many over the counter acne cleansers. Below are some commonly used topical ingredients: A Look At Topical Treatment Options For Acne Benzoyl Peroxide Tretinoin Adapalene (Differin®) Tazarotene Topical Combination Products ISOTRETINOIN Isotretinoin, better known by its brand name Accutane, is the most powerful treatment for acne. It can treat even the most serious cases ...

  Surgical/Laser Treatment MICRODERMABRASION Microdermabrasion is the least invasive of these treatments, and can help improve skin tone and the appearance of mild acne scarring. In this procedure, fine crystals are used to abrade the skin gently, damaging the skin in a controlled manner. This promotes new collagen growth which improves skin texture and quality, and reduces the appearance of the scars. This procedure has little recovery time, but multiple treatments are often required to have the desired effect. Advantages: Little pain and discomfort Little recovery time Safe with very little side-effects Low cost compared to many other procedures Disadvantages: Multiple treatments may be required for it to take full effect The procedure is only effective for relatively minor scarring IPL PHOTOREJUVENATION IPL (Intense pulsed light) rejuvenation can be used to treat minor acne scars. The mechanism of the treatment is similar to chemical peels and microdermabrasion. The skin is dama...

  Other Types Of Birth Control Pills Oral contraceptives have differing mechanisms for controlling acne. Some of them include: PROGRESTIN ONLY Micronor® (norethindrone 0.35 mg) They are used to treat women with elevated blood pressure, migraines, or those with a high heart diseases risk. They may have a higher that usual failure rate for normal use. COMBINATION PILLS Most oral contraceptives combine estrogens (ethinyl estradiol) and Progestins. They are divided into Monophasic, Biphasic, and Triphasic pills. Monophasic pills have consistent amount of hormones, and reduce the chance of side-effects which occur due to changes in hormone levels. Biphasic pills deliver consistent amounts from day to day, but increase dosage in the middle of the month. Triphasic combination pills contain three varying doses of hormones, changing approximately every week. MONOPHASIC Brevicon 1/35® (EE 0.035mg + norethindrone 1.0mg) Ortho-Cyclen® 1/35 (EE 0.035mg + norgestimate 0.25mg) Marvelon® (EE 0.030...

  Using Androgen Blockers For Acne Treatment Androgen inhibitors reduce the effect that androgen plays on the body. Anti-androgen drugs actually block the receptors that allow the body to absorb androgens. Although these drugs are less commonly used in North America, cyproterone acetate can be used to treat acne. ANTI-ANDROGENS Cyproterone acetate Spironolactone Flutamide Progesterone Cimetidine Androgen Inhibitors Contraceptive pills Finasteride Ketoconazole SIDE EFFECTS: Menstrual irregularity CONTRAINDICATIONS Are pregnant Have renal insufficiency Have abnormal menstrual bleeding Have ovarian cancer Have breast cancer Have uterine cancer

  Side Effects Of Birth Control Pills SIDE-EFFECTS Birth control pills have systemic effects, and can change hormonal balances in the body. Although oral contraceptives are regarded as generally safe, they will often cause minor side-effects, and in rare instances, more serious side-effects. COMMON SIDE EFFECTS Nausea Weight gain Bloating Melasma Depression Headaches Mood swings RARE BUT SERIOUS SIDE-EFFECTS Stroke Blood clots Heart attacks Gallstones Thromboembolism Retinal artery thrombosis Increased blood pressure Possible link with breast cancer CONTRAINDICATIONS Men History of coronary heart disease High cholesterol Late renal failure Jaundice Symptomatic heart valve disease Breast cancer Smokers

  How Oral Contraceptives’ Progestins Influence Acne PROGESTINS WHICH DO NOT PRODUCE ANGROGENS: Desogestrel - ORTHO-CEPT® Norgestimate - ORTHO-CYCLEN®, ORTHO-TRICYCLEN® PROGESTINS THAT PRODUCE MODERATE ANDROGENIC EFFECT: Norethindrone - MICRONOR®, BREVICON®, OVCON-35® MODICON®, ORTHO-NOVUM® 7/7/7, NORINYL®1/35, TRI-NORINYL®1/35 Ethynodiol diacetate - OVULEN®, DEMULEN® 1/35 PROGESTINS THAT HAVE A STRONG ANDROGEN EFFECT: Levonorgestrel - TRIPHASIL® Norgestrel - OVRAL® Norethindrone - LOESTRIN® 1/20 or 1.5/30

  Acne Treatment - Birth Control Pills And Other Hormone Therapy Birth control pills have been used since the 1960s, and have provided women with a convenient method of contraception. Some birth control pills are a legitimate option for treating acne for women. Many contraceptive pills have the effect of lowering testosterone levels, which have the effect of producing excess oil in acne. In some cases, they may mix poorly with certain classes of antibiotics. If taking birth control pills as a form of acne treatment, patients should consult their doctor. The following are some of the drugs that are approved for acne treatment: ALESSE® - 0.020MG EE + 0.10MG LEVONORGESTREL This drug has a relatively low dose of estrogen at 0.02mg compared to most other oral contraceptives, reducing the risk of side-effects. This drug has been shown in clinical trials to be significantly superior to placebo in reducing acne. ORTHO-TRICYCLEN® - 0.035MG EE + NORGESTIMATE This drug has been shown in clini...

  Oral Antibiotics For Acne Treatment While topical treatments are generally the first line of therapy for normal acne, they are not always effective. In particular, it is it can be a major inconvenience to manage widespread acne with topical treatment. Sometimes, acne simply does not respond well to topical treatment. In these cases, oral antibiotics can be prescribed. HOW DO ANTIBIOTICS HELP TREAT ACNE? Acne is caused by anaerobic bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. In acne, there is a proliferation of this bacterium in the clogged pores, which is in part responsible for the formation of pimples. Antibiotics help control the population of bacteria, thus clearing our acne in the process. Many antibiotics also have the effect of reducing inflammation in general, which help to clear inflamed papules (pimples/zits). The most commonly used antibiotics are: Tetracycline Minocycline Doxycycline Erythromycin

  Oral Antibiotics - Doxycycline Doxycyline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is used primarily for acne and Rosacea treatment. It is a broad spectrum antibiotic and inhibits the growth of several different bacteria, and it also has anti-inflammatory. It is available in pill form, and is quickly absorbed. Its full benefits can take time to be realized. A 15 to 25% reduction in acne can be seen every month upon taking the antibiotic. Side-effects include: Sun sensitivity—sun protection is a must when taking this medication Stomach pain is a possible side-effect Increased susceptibility to yeast infections Children should not take this drug as it can stain the teeth. Calcium, iron, or magnesium, and antacids should be avoided for some time before and after taking this pill. Consult your doctor for more details about this drug.

  Oral Antibiotics - Erythromycin Erythromycin is a macrolide group antibiotic and is used to treat acne, and is available as a topical medication as well as an oral one. Side-effects are rare, but include: Liver toxicity Pancreatitis Cardiac toxicity Additionally, some types of medications common in antihistamines may react poorly with this drug. Consult your doctor for more details about this drug.

  Oral Antibiotics - Tetracycline Tetracycline is a classic antibiotic that was developed in 1953 as a broad spectrum antibiotic that has an effect on many different strains of bacteria. This class of antibiotic was celebrated as its low cost and small incidence of side-effects made this a useful medication. It is also used to treat acne, and is well tolerated. It is available in pill form, and should be taken with water. Up to a 25% reduction of acne can be expected each month. Side-effects include: Sun sensitivity—sun protection is a must as this is a very common side-effect Stomach pain is a possible side-effect Increased susceptibility to yeast infections Children should not take this drug as it can stain the teeth. Minor pigmentation on the skin is also a common side-effect. Pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should also avoid taking this drug. Consult your doctor for more details about this drug.

Oral Antibiotics - Minocycline Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used in acne treatment as well as some other inflammatory conditions. It is available as a pill, which is to be taken on an empty stomach. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well as being an antibiotic, reducing acne flares. It can reduce acne pimples by 60% or more. Side-effects are rare, but include: Indigestion and stomach pain Dizziness in the initial few days until the body adjusts Other complications are possible Additionally, anticoagulants and antacids may not react well with this drug. Consult your doctor for more details about this drug.

  Accutane and Clarus (Isotretinoin) as Acne Treatment You may have heard the drug called Accutane before. Called Isotretinoin, it is an extremely powerful drug that effectively treats the most severe cases of acne. It is a vitamin A analog and available in pill form. TAKING ISOTRETINION Generally, isotretinoin is taken with food that contains fat. Milk is often used for this purpose, and this helps the absorption rate. EFFECTIVENESS AND USE Isotretinion is often prescribed for patients who have severe and resistant acne that does not respond well to other treatments. For these severe cases, Isotretinion cures over 25% of patients after one course of treatment which generally takes 4 to 6 weeks. Over 70% of all patients using this drug experience long-term remission from acne. While remissions do occur in some people, most dermatologists agree that Isotretinoin is one of the most effective and powerful drugs available for treating severe cases of acne. MECHANISM OF ACTION Isotretin...

  Accutane - Side Effects Isotretinion is an extremely powerful drug. It also has powerful side-effects that need to be monitored by a doctor during the course of the treatment as some of them will not be apparent without proper testing. Listed here are the more serious side-effects that can occur as a result of taking Accutane: PREGNANCY Isotretinion should NEVER be used by pregnant women. Isotretinion is teratogenic—it causes fetal abnormalities. The drug must not be used for 1 month before and after pregnancy as well as during pregnancy. Pregnancy prevention programs are available and must be adhered to. DEPRESSION: Isotretinoin may cause mood swings or depression. Be wary of sudden changes in mood. A possible increase in suicide rate has been brought up although it has not been substantiated clinically. BONES: Hyperostosis (excess bone growth) may occur, but usually is of no consequence. Osteoperosis (bone thinning) can occur, even though the risk is relatively small. In childr...

  Accutane Side Effects Treatment Isotretinioin has helped many patients with severe acne problems. It is, however, an extremely powerful drug that can cause a variety of side-effects. Even though many of these side-effects are rare, some of them are dangerous; you will be monitored for your safety while taking this drug. However, as a patient, it is your responsibility to report any troubles that you are experiencing with your doctor while taking this medication. Common but mild side-effects: DRY SKIN Dryness is the most common side effect of Accutane. It is an almost universal reaction when first taking medication. Dryness can also affect the eyes and lips. Although most cases of dryness are relatively mild, if they are left untreated, they can become irritating. Severe drying can cause the skin to crack, leading to inflammation, slower healing, and increase the chance of infection. Moisturize your skin properly. Mild cortisone may help if you have inflammation. Sun protection be...

  Topical Combination Products Combination therapy is a new development in drugs that offer several benefits. Two ingredients can have a synergistic effect, and combining drugs also have the advantage of preventing antibiotic resistance from developing. OVERALL There are many combination products that are used to treat acne. Some commonly used combinations include: Tretinoin and Erythromycin (Stievamycin® by Stiefel) Benzoyl peroxide and Erythromycin (Benzamycin® by Dermik) Topical benzoyl peroxide plus clindamycin (Benzaclin® by Dermik, Clindoxyl® by Stiefel in Canada)

  Tazarotene Tazarotene is a prescription retinoid that can be used to treat acne as well as other skin conditions or photoaging. OVERALL Tazarotene is a retinoid variant that can be used to treat acne. It is also used for a variety of other skin problems as well as for anti-aging and to reduce the symptoms of sun damage. Similar to other retinoid based treatments, irritation and initial worsening of acne is a common side-effect, and patients need to be mentally prepared for this. SIDE-EFFECTS The most common side-effect is irritation to the skin, and a temporary worsening of acne. Dryness, inflammation, and photosensitivity are other common side-effects, and all are most likely when the medication is initially applied. To mitigate the side-effects: Irritation and dryness are the most common problems. Avoid applying more than instructed in an attempt to treat acne faster. Apply medication when your skin is dry. Use gentle cleansers and light moisturizers. Use sunscreen, and try to ...

Adapalene (Differin®) Adapalene is a vitamin A variant that is primarily used to treat moderate cases of acne, and is sometimes used to treat other skin conditions. OVERALL Adapalene is a retinoid like tretinoin, but has some different properties. It has anti-inflammatory effects and can also help to exfoliate the skin, which helps reduce acne symptoms. Like other topical treatments, however, the skin commonly becomes irritated initially. Patients need to be patient, as any acne treatment requires considerable time before their effects begin to become noticeable. SIDE-EFFECTS The most common side-effect of this drug is irritation of the skin. Redness, sensitivity to sun, wind, and temperature changes are some of the other common side-effects. To mitigate the side-effects: Use sunscreen, and try to minimize exposure to the sun. Avoid applying more than instructed in an attempt to treat acne faster. Apply medication when your skin is dry. Use gentle cleansers and light moisturizers. BRAN...