Posts filed under 'General Acne News'
Here’s an interesting little story. In our experience, many people tend to think that any symptom they may have while on Accutane is due to the Accutane itself. Not always so.
We recently heard of a patient who lost his appetite while on Accutane and lost some weight. His family was at first worried that it was due to the isotretinoin that he was on. As a precaution, the medication was stopped. Further questioning revealed that he had just broken up with his first girlfriend, and that his lack of appetite was due to his being upset over the break up.
So, it’s not always the Accutane that is the cause of life’s symptoms. The good new is, his skin is looking great and he shouldn’t have trouble finding another girlfriend.
February 7th, 2006
A recent article in Practical Dermatology attempted to uncover the truth behind claims from over the counter (OTC) products and prescription medications.
In the OTC arena, benzoyl peroxide is the main active ingredient. This is true for common OTC products such as Proactiv, Oxy, Zenderm, and others. For the most part, it appears that these versions of benzoyl peroxide seem to help, as can be assumed from the popularity and widespread use of many of these poducts.
The article warned however that the claims on many of the OTC products have not been proven with any scientific support. The article continues to point out that an advantage of prescription medications is that they all have solid data and proof of their effectiveness.
In addition, the article goes on to say that the OTC ads may trivialize acne and make it seem that anyone can treat all forms of acne. Acne however is a very complex process and often the help of a dermatologist is warranted.
The article concluded by saying that while the OTC products can definitely help, often times combination therpay is necessary requiring prescription medications and the advice and help of a medical professional.
February 3rd, 2006
We have had some recent trouble with pharmacists insisting that patients be enrolled in the iPLEDGE program in order to fill their isotretinoin prescriptions. Please be aware that until March 1, 2006, you are able to fill you prescriptions either by being enrolled in the iPLEDGE program if your prescribing doctor is enrolled OR by providing a prescription with the yellow sticker attached.
So if you have problems with the pharmacist, let them know that iPLEDGE is not fully in effect for another month.
February 1st, 2006
In a recent post, we spoke about the newest benzoyl peroxide on the market, Benziq. Recently, we have been getting calls from pharmacies wondering which strength to give, when in fact, Benziq only comes in one strength, 5.25%.
The problem that arises is that the pharmacists are confusing Benziq with Benzac (which comes in 2.5%, 5% and 10% strengths). It is easy to see where this confusion could occur. It is important to know that while these medications are similar, they are not the same. Benziq, as stated in our prior post contains moisturizers that will help decrease the potential irritation that benzoyl peroxide sometimes causes.
So, look carefully at your prescription when you pick it up from the pharmacy and make sure you have the correct medication.
January 16th, 2006
As the iPLEDGE program rolls in, perhaps the most important feature is the monitoring of pregnancy in women of childbearing potential both during isotretinoin therapy and for 1 month after treatment is complete. Starting in March, all women of childbearing potential will be required to register with the iPLEDGE program, answer questions about birth control, and enter the two forms of birth control that they are using. In addition, all women of childbearing potential will have to login to the iPLEDGE system every month to again answer questions and cofirm the two forms of birth control they are using.
January 9th, 2006
The IPLEDGE program has begun. Currently, pharmacies must be registered and soon, all prescribing physicians will need to be registered to prescribe isotretinoin. As of now, if you are given a prescription for isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret, Amnesteem, Claravis) you may still get your prescription filled with a yellow sticker attached. In addition, you may register online or by phone with the IPLEDGE program and receive your prescription this way (assuming your physician is already enrolled in the program).
It is important to note that as of March, anyone who receives a prescription for isotretnoin must be registered with the IPLEDGE program. So speak with your dermatologist and make sure you are both up to date.
January 5th, 2006
Often times an acne treatment regimen will involve several steps. There may be pills, creams, cleansers and more. We understand that the prescribed routines are not necessarily the easiest to follow. Unfortunately, acne is caused by several factors and most of the time, different medications are needed to control each factor. In as such, routines can be complex.
Getting a good result depends largely on using the medications in the prescribed way. Some things that may make compliance easier is to place the medications by things that you routinely do already. For example, if you brush your teeth twice a day and need to take an oral antibiotic twice a day, place the pills by your toothbrush to help you remember.
Most importantly however, be honest with your doctor. It is important that they know what you’re using and what you’re not. If you’re not using a medication and things aren’t improving, your doctor may write this medication off as not working when in fact it may have really helped if it was used.
So, be honest, do your best and talk with you doctor about treatment programs that can fit your own daily routine.
January 4th, 2006
Well as the year is coming to an end and many people will be out celebrating, we thought this would be a good time to talk about spot treatments. Though there is no overnight or immediate cure for a pimple, some things can be done to make individual blemishes disappear as quickly as possible.
In the prescription medication arena, probably the two best spot treaters are Sulfacet R and Vanoxide HC. Sulfacet contains sulfur and helps to dry up individual blemishes. Vanoxide HC is a combination of benzoyl peroxide, which helps to dry up pimples, and a touch of hydrocortisone which is good at calming inflammation.
Perhaps the newest weapon in the war on individual blemishes is the Zeno Acne Clearing Device. Zeno works by applying heat directly to the blemish which activates certain proteins in the body that fight bacteria. Zeno has been shown to clear 90% of treated blemishes in 24 hours. You can learn more and purchase zeno here.
December 31st, 2005
Many people believe that dirt can cause acne. This, however, is not true. Acne is actually a much deeper process involving the sebaceous follicles on the face. Because of the belief that dirt and acne are related, many people feel that the more you wash your face, the better. Again not true.
In fact, over-washing your face may even contribute to acne. That’s right, the mechanical forces created from over-washing can actually break down follicles and cause blackheads and whiteheads to form.
The ideal way to cleanse is to wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. There are some excellent over the counter cleansers including Cetaphil Cleanser and Neutrogena products (Oil Free Acne was and Foaming Facial Cleanser). In the prescription category, cleansers come in both benzoyl peroxides (Triaz, Brevoxyl, Zoderm, etc.) and sulfur/sodium sulfacetamide (Rosula, Rosanil, Clenia) variations.
So, remember to wash you face, just don’t over do it.
December 29th, 2005
Non-comedogenic is a term that you tend to see a lot these days. But what does it mean?
Well, a comedone is another word for a blackhead or whitehead. This is where all acne blemishes start. Sometimes they remain as a blackhead or whitehead, while other times they evolve into pimples, pustules, nodules and cysts.
‘Genic’ means causes. So, something that is comedogenic causes comedones. Thus, something that is non-comedogenic does not cause comedones and will not contribute to acne formation.
So, if you’re prone to acne, when you’re shopping for skin care products (soap, cleansers, make-up, moisturizers) make sure that the label says that the product is non-comedogenic.
December 28th, 2005
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