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 AccutaneTM,
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 LevulanŽ
(aminolevulinic acid HCl) photodynamic therapy with
the Blu-UŽ light for the treatment of acne. The Blu-UŽ
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-UŽ
light are done twice a week for 4 weeks. For patients
with more advanced acne who do not wish to take oral
medication, LevulanŽ is applied to the skin before
using the Blu-UŽ 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 ThermageŽ
procedure shrinks oil glands to reduce acne,
tightens skin, and improves scarring and skin texture.
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™ laser treatments, intense
pulsed light, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Dr. Gidon will assess the scarring and discuss which
treatment would be most appropriate.
Zeno ™ acne clearing device is a portable, hand-held,
rechargeable device for at-home treatment of individual
acne pimples. It delivers a precisely controlled,
low level dose of heat to an individual blemish to
help it clear quickly. It is now available for purchase
at our office.
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 AccutaneTM.
A mild cleanser and moisturizer should be used and
aggravating factors should be avoided. LevulanŽ (ALA)
photodynamic therapy with the Blu-UŽ light is a treatment
for this condition. 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 LevulanŽ "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.
