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Botox Milton Keyes Botox in Milton Keynes Milton Keynes area Botox |
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BOTOX Milton Keynes ACNE TREATMENT Milton Keynes ROSACEA TREATMENT Milton Keynes SMARTXIDE Milton Keynes MOLE REMOVAL Milton Keynes
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Beaufort Drive Willen Milton Keynes MK15 9ET |
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© 2010 The Beaufort Clinic |
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Acne & Acne Scarring |
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Pre-Treatment Post-Treatment—2 weeks
Acne is a skin condition which affects virtually all teenagers to some extent but less well known is the fact the acne affects many tens of thousands of adults in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s and can lead to severe and distressing outbreaks which can cause scarring even in this older age group. For some unfortunate people their acne is simply a continuation of the skin condition which has not settled from their teens however for others it can start in adulthood for those who did not suffer in their youth.
The skin in acne typically shows a combination of blind lumps (papules or larger nodules), black or whiteheads (comedones) and spots or pimples (pustules). The areas most commonly affected are the face, neck, upper chest and back. This distribution occurs because these areas have the greatest density of sebaceous glands which are the principle site for development of the lesions.
In the teens acne is normally triggered by a rise in the level of male sex hormones (androgens) – as both boys and girls produce androgens (boys more than girls!), both sexes can be affected. The hormones cause enlargement of sebaceous glands and an increase in the production of their thick, oily secretions. The secretions together with keratin (produced by thickening of the skin) plug the openings of the sebaceous glands leading to accumulation of the secretions and overgrowth of the bacteria which live in the glands and on the surface of the skin. The result is a spectrum of the features described above ranging from a few tiny spots to a severe disfiguring condition which can lower self esteem, cause social withdrawal and lead to clinical depression due to permanent scarring.
In addition to hormonal levels (including around periods in women), there are genetic influences in acne with a tendency of severe acne to run in families. Stress and consequent alterations in the natural body hormone levels as well as scratching, chemicals and some systemic illnesses and conditions can also influence both the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
There are many “over the counter” creams and washes or “beauty” treatments (eg microdermabrasion) for acne some of which can be very effective in milder cases however, in resistant or more severe cases combination treatments including use of light based therapies and prescription medications are needed to achieve the desired improvement and improve or prevent scarring which can worsen the long term outcome.
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Treatment Options SmartXide™ - This treatment resurfaces the skin, improving scars and settling acne lesions, reducing redness and pigmentation changes. Results can be life changing in severe cases. IPL - Can be used to treat active acne, killing bacteria in the skin and reducing inflammatory reactions. Redness, active lesions and scarring are all reduced. Chemical peels - remove the dead layers of the skin, kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Microdermabrasion - reduces thickness of top layer of skin, clears pores and reduces active lesions and pigmentation changes. Medical Treatments - traditional medical treatments including creams, gels and antibiotics can all be used either alone of in combination with the above to help control the symptoms of ance and prevent scarring. Because we are a medical practice we are able to prescribe these drugs. |
