clear acne and improve rosacea

Acne

Acne is a common, chronic skin disorder affecting most teens to some extent, and adults as well. It is caused by several factors, including clogging of the hair follicles, excess oil production, bacteria and hormones. Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules and cysts can occur on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back. Acne can be disfiguring and emotionally upsetting. Since it can cause permanent scarring, acne should be treated early. Acne is not caused by foods, but if certain foods aggravate it, they should be avoided.

There are various treatments for acne. Controlling acne is an ongoing process and any treatment takes time. It is important to be patient and follow all instructions to achieve the best possible results. The goals of acne therapy are to eliminate painful cysts, improve appearance and self-image, and prevent scarring. Dr. Gidon has organized an acne clinic to assess your skin condition and to formulate individualized treatment. Topical products containing benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, salicylic acid, glycolic acid or antibiotics may be recommended. More severe cases of acne may require oral medication such as antibiotics, hormonal treatment or Accutane™, the most potent acne medication. Extraction of comedones, cryotherapy and corticosteroid injections into nodules and cysts can improve the appearance of acne.

Dr. Gidon's clinic was the first in Ontario to offer Levulan® (aminolevulinic acid HCl) photodynamic therapy with the Blu-U® light for the treatment of acne. The Blu-U® light destroys bacteria that aggravate acne and can help mild to moderate acne. It can be used together with topical medication. Treatments with the Blu-U® light are done twice a week for 4 weeks. For patients with more advanced acne who do not wish to take oral medication, Levulan® is applied to the skin before using the Blu-U® light and causes shrinking of the oil glands. Three to 5 treatments, 2 to 4 weeks apart are usually required. These treatments help control acne, give several months of remission, and help improve skin texture and acne scarring.

The Isōlaz procedure vacuums debris from pores, shrinks oil glands and destroys acne-causing bacteria. Light chemical peels, medical facials and microdermabrasion also help clear the complexion. These procedures all give a brighter, smoother skin and complement the medical treatment. The clinic also offers products for acne-prone skin, so there is no uncertainty about the correct products to use at home. Acne scarring can be improved with Fraxel™ or SmartXide™ laser treatments, intense pulsed light, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Dr. Gidon will assess the scarring and discuss which treatment would be most appropriate.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that affects the face but may involve the chest and back as well. It usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50 in both men and women. The cause of rosacea is unknown but heredity and fair skin may play a role. It may first appear as flushing with redness that occurs on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Tiny veins develop and then papules and pustules occur. Blepharitis and conjunctivitis may develop, causing gritty eyes and redness of the eyelid rims. Aggravating factors include stress, sun exposure, consumption of hot liquids, spicy foods or alcohol, hot flashes associated with menopause, extreme hot or cold temperatures, or wind.

Treatment for rosacea may stop progression of the disease. Dr. Gidon has organized a rosacea clinic and can evaluate the condition and give medication, which usually includes topical antibiotics and occasionally oral antibiotics or Accutane™. A mild cleanser and moisturizer should be used and aggravating factors should be avoided. Levulan® (ALA) photodynamic therapy with the Blu-U® light is a treatment for this condition, as well as Isōlaz.. These treatments will help clear the papules and pustules but not the veins or redness of rosacea. Camouflage make-up to conceal redness is an option. Intense pulsed light treatments or laser therapy will reduce or clear the veins. Intense pulsed light with a Levulan® "boost" will help papules, pustules, veins and redness. A light chemical peel can smooth rough skin and stimulate new collagen. Our rosacea facial will cleanse and soothe inflamed skin.

Dr. Gidon offers all of these procedures and can discuss which treatments would be best suited for each individual. The clinic also carries a rosacea line of products to help calm inflamed skin.