Acne is a common form of skin disorder. It can vary in severity,
appearing as pimples, whiteheads or blackheads in its mild form or as
cysts and pustules in its more severe form. The nodular form of acne is
characterized by blocked oil glands that produce inflamed skin and
tissue. Unlike the simple pimple or whitehead, nodules form a
dense, dome-like lesion or nodule which may also appear irregular. This
lesion is red, swollen and usually affects not only the surrounding area
of the skin but also deeper layers. If left unchecked, nodular acne can
result to the destruction of tissue and produce scars. Sometimes,
nodules appear alongside cysts. When this happens, the condition is
referred to as nodulocystic acne. Nodular acne is not only very
unsightly, it can also be quite painful.
Treatments for nodular acne
People
suffering from the nodular form of acne should not try self medication
or self treatment. It is important that they seek the advice of a
licensed dermatologist for proper diagnosis and prescription. The
best way to treat nodular acne is to address it immediately during its
early stages. This is to prevent further infection and scarring.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to help stop infection and prevent further
break outs. Antibiotics also help minimize inflammations and ease the
swelling of the skin. If the patient does not respond to this
treatment or if improvement is too slow, a doctor may prescribe a
retinoid called isotretinoin. This is an oral medication that is usually
required to be taken 1-2 times daily, with a course of treatment
lasting anywhere from 15-20 weeks. Isotretinoin addresses the problem of
excessive sebum production, effectively reducing the amount of oil
produced by the skin and preventing clogged pores. Isotretinoin,
while quite effective, also has side effects. It is not prescribed to
pregnant women because it has been known to cause birth defects. It also
has certain contraindications such as itching, mouth and skin dryness,
photosensitivity, muscle aches and nosebleeds. This explains why doctors
often monitor their patients closely when administering this drug.
Hormonal treatment
Another
method of treatment for nodular acne used exclusively for women is
hormone therapy, usually in the form of low estrogen contraceptive pills
and anti-androgen drugs like spironolactone. Like isotretinoin, these
types of nodular acne treatments also help reduce the production of
sebum.
Other forms of nodular acne treatment
A
doctor may directly remove excess sebum and dead skin cells from the
skin using sterile equipment. For enlarged lesions, an injection of
cortisone may also be used. Cortisone works directly on the affected
spot, minimizing the swelling and reducing the pain of the inflamed
nodules. During treatment for nodular acne, don't be impatient
about the results. Nodular acne usually takes time to improve because
the infection is found deeper in the skin and usually, the waste
material produced is not readily discharged. Check with your doctor
regularly and follow your treatment procedures faithfully.
Treating the scars
Once
scarring has occurred, a doctor may recommend surgery or laser therapy.
These can help minimize the appearance of scars and reduce the bumps.
Sometimes, a treatment called dermabrasion may also be used in
conjunction with laser treatment. In severe cases where scarring
involves deep, depressed scars, fat transfer to the affected area may be
performed.
Living with nodular acne
If you
have nodular acne and are undergoing treatment for it, make sure to
follow your doctor's recommendation for treatment, especially if it
involves taking antibiotics. A complete course of treatment is essential
to the success of a prescribed medication and therapy. If you must use a
special diet or change some of your lifestyle and habits, do so. Treatment
for nodular acne may also involve a multi-pronged approach, using a
main treatment (such as antibiotics or laser therapy) and supplementing
it with a cleansing regimen. Specially formulated soaps and facial
washes are commonly used to help reinforce the effect of the treatment. The
root cause of acne is still unknown, which makes a permanent cure
highly unlikely. However, that doesn't mean that people who have nodular
acne should allow themselves to be limited by this condition
physically, mentally or socially. There are numerous options for the
treatment of nodular acne and with the help of a doctor, it can be
conquered.
Flor Serquina is a writer and also a wife and a mother who has a
great interest in maintaining the healthy skin of the members of her
large family. For more information visit her website, where she
discusses various subjects such as nodular acne treatment
[http://www.healthy-skin-today.com/nodular-acne-treatment.html] and acne
inflammatory vulgaris [http://www.healthy-skin-today.com/] and acne on
your back
[http://www.healthy-skin-today.com/nodular-acne-treatment.html] The site
features well-researched articles on the different types of acne, their
causes and their treatment. There are reviews of the varied approaches
to acne, including laser surgery for acne scars, home remedies,
different brands of acne soaps and face wash, over-the-counter acne
medications as well prescription medicines.
No comments:
Post a Comment