Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The oil that normally lubricates the skin gets trapped in blocked oil ducts and results in what we know as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the surface of skin. Sometimes it also includes deeper skin lesions that are called cysts.

Pimples are small skin swellings that sometimes contain pus. Blackheads are dark formations on the skin due to an accumulated mixture of oil and cells in a blocked skin pore.
Whiteheads are small flesh-or white-colored bumps due to skin pore blockage.
Cysts are closed sacs beneath the skin or deeper that contain fluid or semisolid substances.

Dr. Patrick Treacy discusses Acne and the Isolaz laser

Treatments at Ailesbury Clinic fall into three main categories:

1) Topical treament is adequate for mild acne. This works by exfoliating the skin and de-plugging the folicles. These treatments include:

• Agera Salicylic Wash which contains Salicylic acid and special hydrating agents.
• Agera Acne Shield which contains 2% Salicylic acid, 12% ascorbic acid and prostaglandin inhibitors to counteract the infection and inflamation associated with acne.
• Agera Peptide Antibac which contains and microbial enzyme to counteract infection.
• Topical Antibiotics e.g Clindamycin and Arethromycin to kill bacteria in mild to moderately severe acne.
• RetinA Cream to reduce the number of comedomes - acne lesions.

2) Oral treatment with antibiotics, retinoids or hormones is prescribed for moderate or severe acne.

• Antibitoics i.e. Minocin, Doxycycline are used by the Clinic sometimes used during the infective phase of an outbreak.
• Anti-androgen i.e Dianette is used in females resistant to antibiotics, with moderate to severe acne.
• Roaccutane to reduce sebum production, inhibits bacteria and is anti-inflammatory and is used if the condition is severe or unresponsive to normal treatment.

3) Aurora Laser system, recently approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate acne vulgaries.

This treatment is very safe. Recent advances in laser technologies mean this laser can now be used for acne in all skin types and in the treatment of acne scarring.