Using laser and light to treat acne may have only slight and short-lived improvements. Consumers are advised to think twice before undertaking such expensive treatments.
A commonly advertised treatment claims the use of diode laser to destroy sebaceous glands, thus reducing sebum (oil) production. Studies on laser and light therapies are incomprehensive and they are not without adverse effects. Consumers should be aware that treated skin may become temporarily red, swollen and dry, and noticeable improvements are only seen after a long period of time. They are advised to consult medical experts before undergoing such treatment. People who are sensitive to light should avoid laser and light therapies.
Conventional acne treatments including the use of personal skin care products, topical medications, oral prescription of antibiotics, hormone therapy and isotretinoin may be effective. Consumers should choose the right treatment according to the severity of the problem. Those suffer from severe acne problem are recommended to seek advice from medical professionals.
Pregnant women must be especially careful when taking oral prescription as tetracycline can affect the growth of teeth and bones of a fetus, while isotretinoin can cause birth defects in a developing fetus. They should also avoid using topical medication that contains retinoids.
Intra-lesional injections of steroids may lessen inflammation of cysts and speed up recovery, but is not recommended for general acne sufferers.
Consumers should also refrain from combining different treatments without consulting a dermatologist or disregarding instructions of dermatologists as this may increase risks of adverse effects such as severe skin allergies.
Certain acne medications may increase the risk of getting sunburn, and excessive exposure to UV light may lead to obvious pigmentation, skin aging and increased risk of developing skin cancer. People having acne skin problem should therefore avoid sunbathing or over exposure to UV light, and adopt appropriate UV protection measures.
There is no shortcut to treating acne, the best option is to closely follow the instructions of dermatologists, and keep skin clean.
Please refer to the October issue of CHOICE magazine for the various ways of treating acne.
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