All Solutions Against Acne

Acne is so common - 80% of teens involved to varying degrees - that one may wonder whether it is not rather the fact of escape is abnormal! The cause: excessive production of sebum. But when there are too many small holes through which the skin breathes (pores) get clogged and, inside, a bacterium multiplies. Blackheads and pimples appear. "We talk acne when there is more than five lesions - microkystes, inflammatory papules - visible. More than eight in ten acne remain mild to moderate, but as the feeling is very different from one person to another and that more are treated early, there is less risk of scarring, it is recommended to consult without waiting "says Dr. Nicole Auffret, dermatologist (Hôpital Necker Sick Children).

For mild acne, local treatments enough: benzoyl peroxide based products have anti-inflammatory and local retinoid action on comedones. If somewhat larger acne, antibiotics orally (at least three months prescribed with a cyclin), in addition to local topical, also gives good results, at least, take good condition all day ... And not just when pushing buttons like some teenagers just observing ... So it was only after failure of treatment with cyclins and in patients with severe acne, which can offer isotretinoin. "Since May 2009, and given the teratogenicity of isotretinoin, the conditions around his prescription in girls were strengthened, notably with a blood test every month to check for pregnancy," said Dr Auffret.
Removing decided without consultation

Recently, the withdrawal decision without consultation Diane 35® (who never had a marketing authorization as a contraceptive) and the delisting of the 3rd and 4th generation pills, including in women without cardiovascular risk factor and taking these pills for years, sowed doubt among users. "The progestins most pills, patches and also the ring, have an androgenic share (which will therefore aggravate acne). This is particularly the case of 1st generation pills and the majority of the second generation pills, "says Prof. Christophe Bedane dermatologist (CHU Limoges). What greatly limit the choice. In case of first prescription pill in a girl acne, it is now advisable to propose a second generation pill with the progestin levonorgestrel (Leeloo®, Lovalulo®). Indeed, it is rare to have shown that they do not aggravated acne, or they could be improved. It is only in case of failure, and therefore second line, the prescription of a 3rd or 4th generation pill containing progestin opposing the action of androgens may arise after verification the lack of cardiovascular risk factor.
In addition to these treatments, it is advisable to forget smoking aggravates acne in some people. Also singled out "sweets, as well as bread and pasta or rice-based refined grains and possibly alcohol (which is also a sugar). Indeed, the Papuans who use only whole grains do not know acne. Eskimos either ... Except when they go live in cities and adopt a Western-style food, "says Dr. Brigitte Dreno (Director of the unity of dermatolo Oncology, CHU Nantes).
Test solution

In the coming years, finally, another treatment might be proposed: it is photodynamic therapy, already well developed in Japan, but still experimental solution even in France. It is also proposed in very few centers (Limoges, Nantes and Caen) in this indication. She may have a place in moderate acne or severe, as an alternative to isotretinoin, if studies confirm its promising results. "Photodynamic therapy is based on the setting of photosensitizing agents on the fabric that is to be achieved (here the skin) and their activation by a light source.

 In the case of acne, a dermatologist uses the MAL (aminolevulinic acid methyl ester), which is in the form of a cream to be applied on the area to be treated, before activating it after an exposure time of by blue light (exposure lasts ten to twenty minutes and can handle a very shallow area). The results are especially interesting in the slope of this inflammatory disease. A single session is enough, followed if necessary by a two annual sessions of maintenance, "says Prof. Bedane. The meeting was a bit painful (burning), where the administration of an analgesic just before. Cool the illuminated lesion is also recommended. Finally, it is important not to expose it to light within 24 hours. But apart from redness and sometimes a slight edema, the suites are generally simple.