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Acne &
Acne Scars

medical dermatology
What is acne?

Acne (or pimple) is an affliction of the oil glands of the skin. Contrary to popular belief, acne problem is not confined to teenagers only. While most people outgrow acne by late teens, some continue to be affected for much longer. Acne can show up as whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps or pus-filled lumps. It most commonly occurs on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.

How serious is acne?

There are 3 common groups of acne sufferers. The first group consists of common teenage acne that clears up after a few years. The second group concerns those who would experience the severe and stubborn inflamed kind, and warrant more aggressive treatment to eradicate the problem. The third group is the adult-onset acne who experiences acne outbreak for the first time as an adult.

Acne eruptions do come and go, but unfortunately some are left with acne scars and marks that may be permanent if left untreated. And it is impossible to predict which patient will scar. Therefore, this condition is not a trivial matter and should be treated early and thoroughly.

Acne May Be Unsightly & Uncomfortable, But It Is Fully Treatable.

Specialist Skin Clinic offers a wide range of acne treatments carefully tailor-made for all skin types. Contact us at +65 6734 1411 today for a prompt and detailed consultation.

Why am I getting acne?
  • There is an increase in the production of the sex hormones (androgens) during puberty. This results in an increase in the size and activity of the oil glands (sebaceous glands), especially those located on the face, neck and upper body. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum.
  • Some skin cells lining the wall of the pore (hair follicle) become excessively sticky, therefore plugging up the pores and entrapping the sebum.
  • The increased amount of sebum and dead skin cells contribute to the growth of bacteria deep in the pores. The bacteria in turn cause an inflammatory reaction that result in red painful lumps of acne.
  • There is some tendency for the condition to occur in the same family members. This indicates a possible genetic predisposition for this condition.
  • Use of inappropriate cosmetics and creams, or the oral consumption of certain medications and hormones are other causes of pimples.
Is there anything I can do about my acne?

Yes! You can clear acne and prevent acne scar formation! However there is no single one-size-fits-all treatment formula. Our Acne Treatment Program is specially designed to treat your skin problem and are tailored accordingly to your needs.

Nowadays we have a wide range of acne and acne scar treatments. To achieve best results, you are advised to go through the whole program with your dermatologist.

In short, our Acne and Acne Scar Treatment Program consists of:
Clearance

Active acne must first be cleared with the appropriate washes, medicinal creams, skin care routine, and/or oral medication (which includes oral antibiotics, oral isotretinoin or contraceptive pills), and sometimes microdermabrasion, and laser treatment (eg Smoothbeam laser).

Control

Once clearance is achieved, continuous control with the appropriate products and skin care routine are essential to prevent or minimize future relapse.

Correction

Red marks, brown marks, raised acne scars and depressed acne scars left behind by acne can be treated with a wide range of clinical procedures and lasers without unnecessary downtime:

  • Red marks can be treated with IPL (intense pulsed light). IPL works by constricting the tiny congested blood vessels and therefore clears up the red marks, flush and blush of acne.
  • Brown marks can be treated with lightening creams, SilkpeelTM dermalinfusion microdermabrasion or IPL in resistant cases.
  • Raised lumpy scars (keloids) benefit from injections of cortisone to soften and flatten them.
  • Deep depressed scars and ice-pick scars may benefit from minor surgical procedures like subcision and punch excision.
  • Superficial depressed scars can be smoothened out with MiXto fractional CO2 laser treatment and/or skin filler injections.
  • Very superficial uneven scars can be softened with microdermabrasion treatment.
    • What else do I need to know about managing acne?
    • Do not squeeze or scratch pimples. Avoid facials, scrubs, masks and exfoliants when your acne is inflamed.
    • Do not wash with harsh soaps. Wash away the surface oil with a good gentle soap.
    • Have a well-balanced diet.
    • Use reliable water-based, oil-free cosmetics.
    • Stick close to your doctor’s prescription. Feel free to check with your doctor if you have any doubts about the treatment or side effects or for some reason, your condition is not improving.
    • Certain birth control pills and hormone medications can worsen your skin condition. Do discuss with your skin doctor.
    • Stress and lack of sleep may aggravate acne.
    In summary…
    • Acne is treatable
    • Acne scar is preventable
    • Seek treatment early
    • Sometimes your acne may worsen initially before it gets better.
    • Occasionally it may take a few months to see definite results.
    • Discuss with your doctor if certain treatments are seemingly not working for you, or you are not comfortable with the medications prescribed for you because there are other alternatives available that would help.

    Exercise patience - you will be pleasantly surprised how much you can improve.

    Our Dermatologists
    Our team of dermatologists with a combined experience of more than 60 years provides a complete range of professional dermatological services to manage all varieties of skin problems affecting the skin, hair and nails and also sexually transmitted infections. They are equally adept at performing skin surgery and laser procedures.
    Specialist Skin

    1 Grange Road #06-04, Orchard Building, Singapore 239693
    Main Line: (65) 6734 1411 Fax: (65) 6235 5900 Email: enquiry@specialistskin.com.sg
    Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm Sat: 8:00am - 1:00pm
    Closed on Sundays

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